THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Friday, December 31, 2021, welcomed the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), calling it a "perfect Christmas gift" for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
TUCP President Raymond Mendoza said in a statement that the creation of the DMW after President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11641 into law is “a laudable move.”
“For decades, our OFWs had no house in the Executive branch. Their needs were met by different agencies, which were all separate and far apart," Mendoza said.
"Now, there is a single house – this department, which will care for all of their needs. A home is the perfect Christmas gift for our modern-day heroes – our OFWs and seafarers," he added.
The labor leader said the creation of the DMW will lead to the streamlining of services concerning OFWs.
He said this means there will be harmonization of programs and the removal of unnecessary requirements for OFW services.
"We now remove the paper chase for various transactions and needed assistance from one agency to another," he said.
"This will necessarily result in the streamlining of requirements and processes since there is only one entry and exit point for all transactions," Mendoza added.
On Thursday, Duterte signed into law the measure creating the Department of Migrant Workers.
To be merged under DMW are the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, Philippine Overseas Labor Offices, International Labor Affairs Bureau, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, and National Maritime Polytechnic, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will be an attached agency. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)