TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to bring government assistance closer to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, the Department of Migrant Worker (DMW-8) has entered into a partnership with the local government unit of Villaba, Leyte to strengthen the delivery of migrant worker services at the municipal level.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by DMW-8 officer-in-charge Marlon Macalla and Villaba Mayor Carlos Veloso, formalizing cooperation aimed at improving coordination of programs for migrant workers and their dependents.
Under the MOA, DMW RO8 and the Villaba municipal government will work together to deliver a range of services for OFWs, including welfare and protection assistance, employment facilitation, referral mechanisms, and reintegration support for returning migrant workers.
Mayor Veloso said the agreement reflects the municipality’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Villaba’s OFWs by strengthening local support systems and ensuring timely access to government assistance.
Macalla, for his part, emphasized the importance of partnerships with local government units in decentralizing migrant worker services, noting that bringing services closer to communities makes government assistance more accessible and responsive to the needs of OFWs and their families.
“This collaboration helps ensure that OFWs and their families can easily access services without having to travel far, especially during times of need,” Macalla said.
The signing was witnessed by Vice Mayor Edgar Veloso, members of the Sangguniang Bayan led by OFW and Employment Committee chairperson Jamel O. Gonzales, and representatives from DMW RO8.
DMW said the agreement marks a significant step in its efforts to institutionalize migrant worker services at the local level and expand its service network across Eastern Visayas through sustained collaboration with local government units.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
