(Photo from the Department of Migrant Workers’ Facebook page)
For millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), life abroad is a relentless pursuit of a better future—marked by long hours, homesickness, and the hope that their sacrifices will uplift their families back home.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) understands this reality. Under his leadership, the government has taken unprecedented steps to ensure that OFWs are not only recognized but also genuinely cared for.
At the heart of PBBM’s migrant worker agenda is a vision to transform the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) into a world-class institution—one that provides comprehensive healthcare, streamlined government services, and a lasting sense of belonging for Filipinos working overseas.
As his administration marks the agency’s third anniversary, Marcos Jr. is shaping what could be his defining legacy: A government that sees OFWs not merely as economic contributors but also as the backbone of the nation.
One of the most tangible expressions of this vision is the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga—a facility dedicated exclusively to migrant workers and their families.
Since its inauguration in 2022, the hospital has provided medical care to thousands, addressing a long-overdue need for accessible and affordable healthcare.
Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center rises
Now, PBBM is taking this initiative further. On December 10, 2024, he and DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center, an expansion of the OFW Hospital that will offer specialized treatments such as hemodialysis and oncology services.
“This endeavor is inspired by the vision of the late Susan Ople, who dedicated her life to championing the rights of our workers,” PBBM said. “With this facility and the necessary medical equipment, we will continue to prove that nothing is impossible when we unite for a shared purpose.”
The impact is evident. In 2024 alone, the OFW Hospital treated 523 inpatients, 41,000 outpatients, and 2,711 urgent care cases.
The addition of the cancer care center aims to expand these services, ensuring that OFWs facing serious health challenges receive quality treatment without financial strain.
Beyond healthcare, PBBM is transforming how the government delivers essential services to the OFWs. On December 17, 2024, he inaugurated the One-Stop AKSYON Center in Makati City—a centralized hub consolidating key government agencies to simplify pre-departure, employment, and reintegration processes.
Recognizing the need for comfort and convenience, the government has also enhanced airport services.
The OFW Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, now in its second year, has already served more than 500,000 migrant workers, offering free food, beverages, and rest areas.
Meanwhile, Migrant’s Brew coffee hubs, now spanning 23 locations nationwide, continue to serve as welcoming spaces for OFWs.
These hubs—including one at the One-Stop AKSYON Center—have catered to over 630,905 migrant workers, providing not just refreshments but also a vital sense of community.
For Filipino seafarers, the Seafarers Hub in Manila remains a dedicated haven, having served 43,000 clients since its launch in 2022.
Beyond infrastructure and services, PBBM is focused on institutionalizing the DMW as a trusted pillar for OFWs. On December 4, 2024, the agency unveiled its official logo, symbolizing strength, unity, and unwavering government support for Filipino workers abroad.
“The seven rays represent the seven government offices merged under the DMW, while the helping hands embody our mission to support the OFWs,” explained DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay.
But perhaps nothing captures the agency’s growing identity more than its official hymn, “DMW: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran.” Introduced during the DMW’s third anniversary celebration on December 20, 2024, the song was written by Martin John Arellano, the son of a former OFW.
“Listening to this hymn, one cannot help but feel immense pride in being an OFW,” Arellano said. “You are not just a worker abroad—you are also part of a much bigger family, ang Bagong Pilipinas.”
With these sweeping reforms, PBBM is positioning himself as the president who institutionalized long-term protections and benefits for the OFWs.
The expansion of healthcare, the streamlining of services, and the creation of a government that truly prioritizes migrant workers all point to a leader intent on leaving a lasting imprint.
For decades, OFWs have been hailed as the lifeblood of the Philippine economy, sending billions of dollars in remittances home each year.
But under Marcos Jr.’s leadership, they are finally receiving the institutional recognition and support they deserve.
More than building programs, PBBM is reshaping how the nation values its migrant workforce—not just in words, but through concrete action.
He is crafting a legacy that ensures OFWs are not only seen but truly empowered—wherever they are in the world.
