MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is advancing reforms aimed at standardizing its services across the Philippines to better support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), officials said Tuesday.
During the Central Office – Regional Office (CORO) Consultation 2026 held in Quezon City from February 9 to 10, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the need for stronger coordination between the agency’s Central Office and its Regional Offices (ROs) nationwide.
Cacdac advocated for the development of a Regional Operations Manual, modeled after the Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), to streamline operations and enhance service delivery. He also called for the adoption of a Quality Management System (QMS), upgrading office facilities to meet international standards, and accelerating digital initiatives such as the OFW Pass. Efforts to reduce in-person visits for obtaining the OFW Information Sheet were also highlighted.
The department plans to intensify the nationwide promotion of its programs, strengthen the fight against illegal recruitment, and enforce responsible financial management across its 80 provincial regional offices. Cacdac said these measures would ensure consistent service quality and clearer accountability at all levels.
Undersecretary Bernard Olalia noted that the push for standardization coincides with the devolution of more functions to Regional Offices, including case adjudication, inspections, and joint enforcement operations with the Philippine National Police, local government units, and barangays. He assured that the Central Office would continue providing technical and capacity-building support to facilitate smooth implementation.
The consultation also featured updates on program management, presentations on project management best practices, discussions on the OFW Pass and Information Sheet, regional accomplishments, the proposed 2026 budget, and government procurement policies.
The DMW described the event as a reaffirmation of its commitment to delivering efficient, responsive, and standardized services to OFWs and their families, in line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The two-day gathering brought together regional directors, planning officers, middle managers, and senior officials for the 2025 Year-End Performance Assessment and the 2026 Annual Planning Exercises, providing a platform for strategic alignment, collaboration, and sharing of best practices.
