How DMW protects Filipinos at every stage of overseas employment process

Millions of Filipinos have long considered working abroad as a viable option  to find stable jobs, especially in these challenging times.  

However, behind every application are questions like: “Is the employer trustworthy? Is the job legitimate? Will I truly be safe?” These reflect the fear of illegal recruitment and fraudulent job offers.  

Illegal recruitment happens when people or agencies without a license offer fake job opportunities, usually abroad, in exchange for money. This can lead to abuse or exploitation.  

For Michael Soriano, a resident of Lingayen, Pangasinan, these concerns were real before he flew to Japan.  

“The uncertainty was overwhelming. Before leaving, I verified everything—from the recruitment agency’s credentials to the employer’s legitimacy. Thankfully, my journey turned out well. Now working in Japan, I feel safer and more confident that my rights as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) are being protected,” Soriano shared on May 21.  

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured jobseekers that, like Soriano’s case, it will continue to uphold and protect OFWs in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure safe, legal, and productive overseas employment for all Filipinos.  

Christian Rey Sison, regional director of DMW Ilocos, said the agency is strengthening monitoring and coordination with countries offering jobs to protect overseas workers’ welfare.  

“At the DMW, we are always here to guide Filipinos seeking overseas jobs. Part of our mission is to educate them about the risks, warning signs, and consequences of illegal recruitment,” Sison said.

To prevent illegal recruitment, he urged aspiring OFWs to connect only with licensed and DMW-accredited agencies, or to join job fairs organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Public Employment Service Offices (PESO).  

To support aspiring OFWs further, the agency offers pre-employment orientation seminars, help in verifying agencies and job offers, legal support, and a 24/7 hotline for urgent concerns.  

In the Ilocos Region, the DMW can be reached through (072) 687-0874, 0945-423-6996, or 0968-376-0280. Inquiries and assistance may also be sent via email to [email protected].  

To avoid scams and succeed like Soriano, Sison advised job seekers to check whether employers have valid clearances from the DMW and DOLE.  

These clearances verify that job offers are real and not just manpower pooling, which is often used by scammers to collect fees or make false promises.  

But what about returning OFWs? What support awaits them?  

For returning workers, the DMW provides reintegration programs to help them start a business or receive livelihood aid.  

Programs such as Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) and the Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) offer starter kits so returning or distressed OFWs can build small businesses and become financially self-reliant.  

“Our goal is also to provide full support for their reintegration into society,” Sison emphasized.  

With these efforts, the DMW ensures complete support for OFWs—from deployment, protection abroad, to reintegration at home.  

In a time when more Filipinos are searching for greener pastures overseas, the government remains committed to helping them pursue their dreams safely, legally, and successfully.(CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)

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