MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a steadfast supporter of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), has urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and its affiliated agencies to maintain a round-the-clock open line to ensure prompt assistance for Filipinos working abroad.
During a Senate plenary deliberation on the proposed 2025 national budget, Go emphasized the crucial role of these agencies in protecting the welfare of OFWs. He also underscored the importance of responsible fund utilization and expanded healthcare support for OFWs and their families.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go began by extending gratitude to DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officials, acknowledging their significant achievements in securing OFW welfare.
“First and foremost, I would like to put on record my full support for this year’s proposed budget of the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration,” Go stated. “Your agencies have been an instrumental force in safeguarding the rights and welfare of our OFWs as it is your very mandate as an institution.”
Go, who co-sponsored the legislation that established the DMW, reminded his colleagues of the long-standing struggles faced by OFWs prior to the department’s creation. “Maalala ko po noong unang panahon, kokonti pa lang ang may gusto na maging departamento po itong DMW. Pero tandaan po natin, more than ten million po ang (Filipinos abroad), wala man lang silang sariling departamento na lumalaban po para sa kanila.”
Addressing the OFWs directly, Go assured them of the Senate’s continuous support for their welfare. “Nawa’y mapangalagaan natin ang mga proyekto na ipinatupad ng ahensiyang ito. Kami naman po dhere sa Senado ay mananatiling nakasuporta sa mga programa ninyo.”
One of Go’s key points was the importance of efficient and effective fund utilization, stressing that government resources should be directed solely toward programs that benefit those most in need.
“Siguraduhin po natin na magagamit po ang pondo ng tama. Ang pondong ipagkakaloob sa departamento, upang matulungan po ang ating mga OFWs na lubos na nangangailangan,” he insisted.
Go also highlighted the social protection that DMW provides, not only for migrant workers but also for their families who remain in the Philippines. He further discussed the critical role of the OFW Hospital, which he aims to institutionalize through Senate Bill No. 2822 to ensure appropriate funding for its operations.
Concluding his remarks, Go called on the DMW to fulfill its responsibilities to the fullest extent, urging the agency to maintain its offices accessible to OFWs worldwide.
“Ang hirap po mapalayo sa pamilya. Hindi po nababayaran ang lungkot, kaya please lang po, tugunan po natin ang kanilang mga pangangailangan at bukas po ang kanilang opisina para sa inyong lahat,” he stressed.
