SEN. Bong Go has called for adequate funding for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in 2027 to ensure continued assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) facing emergencies, particularly those in conflict areas.
During the Senate hearing on the proposed DMW budget, Go questioned the gap between the department’s proposed P37.6-billion budget and the P11.6-billion allocation recommended under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which amounts to about 30.8 percent of the department’s request.
“Among those not included in the NEP are additional funding for the Aksyon Fund and funding for the creation of new Migrant Workers Offices. We want to know how this will affect the operations of DMW next year,” Go said.
He urged the Senate finance panel to find ways to ensure the department has sufficient resources to respond to emergencies involving Filipinos abroad, amid continuing security risks, including armed conflicts in the Middle East.
The Aksyon Fund, or the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan Fund, was established under Republic Act 11641 to finance legal and other assistance for distressed OFWs.
Go also called for the establishment of additional Migrant Workers Offices, citing the absence of a dedicated office in Nagoya, Japan, which he learned about during a recent visit to the country.
He said Philippine Consul General in Nagoya Shirlene Mananquil raised the matter during his visit, where he supported Filipino athletes competing in the Asian Games and met members of the Filipino community.
Go also sought sustained funding for the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital in Pampanga, asking DMW officials how budget levels could affect its operations and services.
