PHILIPPINES: The Department of Migrant Workers marked Migrant Workers’ Day with a stronger call to protect overseas Filipino workers, especially those facing abuse from illegal or erring recruitment agencies.
The event was led by the DMW during the OFW Global Summit 2026 at the MICE Center in Quezon City.
More than 1,000 OFWs joined the gathering, which carried the theme “Serbisyong Buo, Kalinga Totoo.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a video message, praised the courage and talent of OFWs around the world.
He said the government wants to make sure OFWs can count on help when needed, receive protection while abroad, and have a clear chance to return and start again in the Philippines.
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206 Applicants Removed from Poor Living Conditions
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the agency has stepped up its campaign against recruitment agencies that violate government rules.
This came after the DMW rescued 206 aspiring OFWs from illegal accommodations linked to five recruitment agencies.
The rescued applicants are now staying in hotel accommodations arranged by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Of the total number, 151 applicants were rescued from facilities operated by Job Connections, TS Pizarro, and JPM88/AAV Talent Training and Management in Manila.
Another 55 applicants were rescued from accommodations linked to Samantha Manpower and Prime Goal in Imus, Cavite.
Agencies Face Possible License Loss
According to the DMW, the applicants were made to stay in cramped, unsafe, and dirty spaces.
They were also reportedly given poor-quality food.
Some applicants said their movement was restricted.
Others reported harassment and unauthorized fee collection.
The DMW said the accommodations were not registered with the agency and did not meet its standards for OFW housing.
Cacdac said the agencies may face administrative sanctions, including suspension or revocation of their licenses.
They may also face possible criminal complaints, including illegal detention and human trafficking.
New Contracts for Seafarers and Fishers
During the summit, the DMW also presented new rules for sea-based recruitment.
These include the updated standard employment contract for overseas seafarers and the standard employment contract for overseas fishers.
DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina said the seafarer contract includes provisions from earlier POEA rules, the Maritime Labor Convention, and the Magna Carta for Seafarers.
He also said the contract for overseas fishers is the first of its kind.
The goal is to help fishers receive fair work terms and better protection while working abroad.
