The Overseas Filipino Workers are well assisted abroad through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office situated in different countries where they work. This Philippine government office works with the Department of Labor and Employment in order to ensure that all Filipino migrant workers get all the help they need abroad.
However, POLO offices are now referred to as MWO offices which started just this year since the integration of this office to the newly-created agency called the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). They implement labor programs and policies to protect the rights of every OFW while promoting their interests and welfare on the global scene. A Labor Attache manages the POLO office and leads the labor force including welfare officers, staff workers, administrative assistants, locally hired staff, and the assistant Labor Attache.
POLO stands for Philippine Overseas Labor Office and has been established to implement Philippine labor laws and programs to promote and protect the well-being of OFWs in their job sites. It supervises and manages the Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center to create a temporary venue to extend the services and programs offered by POLO.
As the operational arm of DOLE, POLO reports to the Labor’s Office Secretary in order to administer and enforce the initiatives and policies that affect OFWs. As of this writing, there are 34 POLO offices located in different parts of the world: 3 in the United States, 7 in Europe, 11 in Asia, and 13 in the Middle East.
Benefits of POLO Services
The main benefit of having POLO offices in countries where OFWs work is that they are protected in terms of their rights as employees. POLO also ensures that they have fair working conditions, especially for first-time OFWs. Other benefits that POLO offers include social benefits, repatriation assistance benefits, reintegration programs, welfare programs, training benefits, and education scholarship programs.
POLO Labor office logo
Purpose and Functions of POLO
The key purpose of POLO is to protect and support OFWs by helping them exercise their rights and privileges. It collaborates with host countries and Filipino communities to promote their welfare and guide them to become successful. The following are the core functions of POLO:
Administers and enforces lawfully enacted programs and policies in designated geographic areas.
Helps OFWs with employment-related documents such as contracts to ensure they are on the right track. POLO also collects fees for OFWs and creates contract models that fit certain job sites.
Implements foreign exchange remittance for Filipino migrant workers to their beneficiaries or families in the Philippines.
Assists consular or diplomatic mission to establish and sustain goodwill and friendly relationship between the host country and the Philippines.
Answers concern related to employers and assist OFWs in overcoming problems that may arise in their job site.
Informs the Department of Labor regarding the developments in labor programs including economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions.
Submits special and regular reports, and defends the well-being of OFWs in any circumstances.
Understands and cooperates with the host government to help disseminate information about employment policies and other labor-related programs.
Serves as POEA’s representative and DOLE’s marketing agent to review contracts with employers based on the negotiating rules of POEA.
Performs additional responsibilities that the Secretary assigns or delegates according to the law.
Services and Programs Offered
Community Networking. Together with the Philippine Embassy, the POLO reaches out to Filipino communities across the globe. To get involved with the community, here are the programs that POLO is committed to implementing:
DOLE/OWWA Microsoft Tulay Project. This offers courses including digital imaging, hardware maintenance and assembly, and computer fundamentals.
Overseas Labor Education Program. This program educates interested OFWs and Filipino community leaders on their responsibilities and rights under Philippine labor laws and other policies that may affect them.
Reintegration Preparedness Program. This supports the efforts of FILCOM organizations in planning and preparing for reintegration. The most popular among these endeavors is the Filipino Cooperatives and Savings Associations.
Community Outreach. This includes institutional events, socio-cultural activities, and leader’s forums.
Custodial Program. Provide female OFWs with temporary housing after a bad experience with their overseas employer. This transitional housing facility helps OFWs rebuild their lives while moving on from any bad experiences.
Employment Promotion. Verify all employment documents from prospective employers who want to recruit OFWs. The POLO of host countries performs this important service to ensure that Filipino migrant workers have valid jobs abroad.
Financial Assistance Programs. After joining the Fund, OFWs are eligible for any benefits that PAG-IBIG members enjoy exclusively. They can apply for short-term loans for hospital expenses, small business capital, house repairs, and appliance purchases.
Overseas Employment Certificate Issuance. Vacationing OFWs or those who are on leave and will be returning to the same overseas employer are required to obtain an OEC or exit clearance. The POLO processes this document for OFWs with a 60-day validity period from the issuance date.
OWWA Membership. Whether it’s an elective or mandatory coverage, OWWA participation is valid after paying the membership contribution until the contract expires. OWWA members are insured and entitled to the benefits for two years unless they renew again.
Reintegration Preparedness. This includes financial, entrepreneurial, literacy, value formation, skills training, business counseling, and development training.
Workers Protection. In protecting OFWs, this program includes counseling, mediation, repatriation assistance, requests, and shelter provision.
Video: Paano Mag Sign Up o Mag Register sa POLO OWWA
In this video, you will get a step-by-step guide on how to sign up and register for OWWA membership through POLO. It also includes some helpful tips on how to verify employment contracts for OFWs so watch until the end.
Summary
Now that you know everything about the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, rest assured that you are protected while working abroad. You can also reach out to the nearest POLO office in your host country to ask for assistance in case you need their welfare services. More importantly, POLO is the place you go to when you need to acquire an OEC so make sure you are familiar with this agency.
The Department of Migrant Workers is one of the Philippine agencies that promotes the welfare and protect the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It is in charge of facilitating the overseas employment of Filipino workers abroad, and reintegration of Filipino workers should they decide to go back to the Philippines for good.
Note: OFWs should download the DMW Mobile App to learn more and take advantage of its features dedicated for migrant workers abroad.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was created under the Republic Act No. 11641, or the Department of Migrant Workers Act, signed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 30, 2021. It is tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through training and knowledge development.
Purpose of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was created with the hope of increasing the efficiency and convenience of OFWs who are seeking help as they plan to merge all seven (7) agencies under one roof. Those government agencies are:
DFA-OUMWA – Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs. This government agency is in charge of coordinating concerns from the overseas labor and employment industry.
POLO – Philippine Overseas Labor Office. This government agency is in charge of enacting and maintaining the Philippine labor policies and practices for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of OFWs.
ILAB – International Labor Affairs Bureau. This government agency is in charge of developing recommendations for current labor policies, operating international labor and employment standards, and for monitoring the country’s observance and implementation of its obligations.
NRCO – National Reintegration Center for OFWs. This government agency is in charge of helping displaced or terminated Filipino migrant workers and their families.
NMP – National Maritime Polytechnic. This government agency is in charge of conducting specialization, upgrading courses, and competency assessment and ratings for marine officers and trainees following the national and international Maritime Education and Training (MET).
Office of the Social Welfare Attache of DSWD. This government agency is in charge of coordinating with the overseeing departments on cases of irregular, distressed, and vulnerable OFWs for assistance.
DMW logo
Benefits of The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
Living away from family and friends is difficult. Even so, if you live in a strange country miles away from them. This makes them more vulnerable to homesickness, illegal recruiting, and human trafficking. One of the main reasons why the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was created is to focus on supporting OFWs in times of need.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) sets up a 24/7 Emergency Response and Action Unit to accommodate the OFWs’, migrant Filipinos’, and their families’ emergency needs. They are also planning on working with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to prosecute people who are doing illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
Functioning of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
With the combined effort and power of the seven (7) agencies, here’s the list of the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) functions:
Formulate and implement policies, programs, and projects to protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers and their families;
Provide social protection services to all migrant workers and their families;
Conduct research studies on labor migration trends, patterns, and impact on Philippine development;
Monitor implementation of laws, rules, and regulations related to the recruitment, employment, deployment, and reintegration of migrant workers;
Institutionalize a system of accreditation of private recruitment entities;
Facilitate the delivery of pre-departure orientation seminars to prospective migrant workers;
Assist Filipino migrant workers and their families in returning to the Philippines;
Coordinate with government and non-government agencies involved in labor migration programs and projects.
Programs and Services
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) created series of programs and services dedicated to helping and empowering Overseas Filipino Workers, Filipino migrants, and their families. Here are some of the programs and services that you can enjoy:
Livelihood program for OFWs who want to start a business or expand their current business.
Training programs on entrepreneurship, financial management, and other topics that will help OFWs build their own business.
Career counseling services to help OFWs look for new employment or transition to a new career.
Legal assistance services for OFWs.
Welfare services in times of need, such as medical emergencies, natural calamities, or political disputes.
Video: Interview with DMW Secretary Susan Toots Ople
Watch this interview of RTVM Philippines with Migrant Workers Secretary Toots Ople to learn more about employment opportunities overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a Philippine-owned agency that promotes the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
Who will benefit from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assists all OFWs, Filipino migrants, and their families.
What is the difference between the DMW and POEA?
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) coordinates efforts between all agencies involved in overseas employment and migrant workers’ welfare. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is a separate agency from the DMW but will implement policies and programs created by the DMW.
Summary
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a combined effort of seven (7) agencies that aims to protect the rights and promote the welfare of all Filipinos abroad and their families. It strengthens and connects all agencies that help OFWs to give faster and more efficient services that Filipino workers deserve. DMW works in the hopes of making the lives of Filipino workers, migrants, and their families become better and safer by providing programs and services specifically for them to enjoy and use. This agency serves as a refuge for abused and maltreated OFWs.
The DMW still has a long way to go and improvements to undergo, but the Philippine government is assuring our kababayans abroad that this agency will extend their helping hands in times of need.
Many Filipinos working abroad are lucky to migrate as permanent residents or naturalized citizens of other countries. Although fortunate to live overseas, some may require assistance to ensure their rights, welfare, and safety. Meanwhile, some Filipinos found luck abroad and are willing to give back to their homeland. That’s why the Philippine government founded the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). If you want to learn more about this agency, read on as we share the CFO’s history, functions, programs, and services.
Since the CFO aims to promote and protect Filipinos’ rights, welfare, and interests overseas, the agency creates programs, projects, and policies for them. It also encourages and speeds up the significant role of Filipinos abroad in the cultural, economic, political, and social progress of the Philippines. Furthermore, it links them to their homeland through education and information programs. Most of all, the CFO helps Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrants to reintegrate into the Philippines, a vital agency for all Filipinos living abroad.
Formerly known as the Office of Emigrant Affairs (OEA), the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is a government-owned and controlled agency in the Philippines under the Office of the President. It is mandated to promote and protect the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos living abroad. CFO also aims to strengthen the ties of Filipinos overseas to their homeland.
In addition, the agency aids technology transfer, material, and financial contributions outside the country, aimed at developing impoverished communities all over the Philippines. The agency registers and offers emigrants pre-departure orientation seminars. It also allows younger generations of Filipinos abroad to learn the history and culture of the Philippines.
History
The presence of the CFO dates back to 1974, during the enactment of Presidential Decree No 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines, which resulted in the creation of the Office of Emigrant Affairs (OEA) and Overseas Employment Development Board, or POEA, now known as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Founded on June 16, 1980, the enactment of Batas Pambansa 79 led to the establishment of the CFO.
It’s a Philippine government agency entrusted to advocate and support the rights, welfare, and rights of Filipinos residing abroad. Apart from that, the agency reinforces the ties of overseas Filipinos to their motherland. Since it replaced OEA, the CFO took over and widened its functions and mandate. Under the enacted decree, the services of the CFO are specifically for Filipino emigrants.
Vision
The CFO visualizes a Filipino community abroad composed of competitive and well-respected individuals with significant contributions to the welfare and productiveness of the countries where they work or live while preserving strong cultural, economic, and political ties with their motherland.
Mission
The purpose of the CFO is to become the leading institution in the Philippines that promotes projects, programs, and policies with Migration and Development as a foundation to empower ang strengthen the community of Filipinos abroad.
Clientele
As per the Batas Pambasa Blg. 79, here are the primary clientele of the CFO:
Filipinos who are permanent residents or migrants overseas
Filipinos abroad who became naturalized or dual citizens of other countries
Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals departing the Philippines
Filipino youth abroad
Participants of Filipino Au Pair
Participants of the Exchange Visitor Program
Descendants of Filipinos abroad as specified in Batas Pambansa Blg. 79
Functions
Under the Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, the CFO is mandated to execute the following functions:
Create and perform programs that promote the welfare and interest of Filipinos abroad
Assist the Congress and the President of the Philippines in developing policies and measures for Filipinos abroad.
Acts as a forum to enhance and preserve the cultural, economic, and social ties of Filipinos abroad with the Philippines
Links Filipinos abroad with concerned government and private agencies in the Philippines in business transactions or other similar ventures
CFO Quality Policy Statement
As pursuant to its mandate and responsibilities, the CFO is committed to performing the following:
Entrust the people by providing constant professional development based on social responsibility
Develop policies and expedite citizen-based and quality services and programs, exceeding the public’s expectations
Enhance the migration benefits of Filipinos abroad by encouraging them to become development partners of the Philippines and their host countries
CFO Goals
Apart from its functions, the CFO has the following goals:
Promote consistent, logical, and synchronized development policies recognized by the government policy-making process
Aid and boost an agreeable right-based policy environment to promote and protect overseas Filipinos’ rights, welfare, and interests
Streamline socio-economic development assistance by developing, implementing, and collaborating with other government agencies.
Help Filipinos migrate to another country by preparing them for the realities of international migration.
Assist returning Filipinos and their families who have lived abroad to reintegrate into the Philippines.
CFO Programs & Services
BalikBayan: Overseas Filipinos’ One Stop Online Portal for Diaspora Engagement
The BaikBayan is a program from the CFO that aims to link Filipinos abroad to economic and social development projects in their homeland and its local sites. This program allows 24/7 connection to Filipinos abroad anywhere in the world. It functions as a one-stop online portal, enabling Filipinos living abroad to partake in the productivity and welfare of the Philippines.
Under this program, Filipinos abroad can access various opportunities to collaborate with the local and national governments in starting a business. BalikBayan also facilitates volunteering and donations and provides access to online government services.
CFO-SIS (Sa Iyong Sulok): Itanong mo kay SIS!
This program is a free mobile and web-based counseling and advice service for Filipinos overseas. It provides free coaching, counseling, and consultation with the help of participating counseling specialists from various fields. With the CFO-SIS program, Filipinos abroad can access counseling from licensed life coaches and counselors through mobile messaging apps like Facebook, Viber, and WhatsApp. Also, it’s available 24/7 and ensures all the data is confidential and private.
Community Education Program (CEP)
CEP is a communication program co-organized by various government agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions. This program aims to connect prospective migrants and assist them in making wise decisions regarding working or living permanently abroad. Its goal is to enhance community involvement in migration matters and increase the public’s consciousness regarding migration.
Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – Advocacy and Communications Committee (IACAT-ADVOCOM)
The IACAT-ADVOCOM uses strategies to engage and mobilize different target groups and stakeholders, such as local, national, and foreign government agencies. It also targets media institutions, migrant associations, and civil society, international, and non-government organizations. Furthermore, the IACAT-ADVOCOM aims to perform the following:
Administer a broad communication and advocacy strategy to assist in the eradication of human trafficking and promote government services beneficial to survivors of trafficking
Publish materials and create multimedia campaigns to increase awareness of the issues concerning human trafficking and promote services for trafficking victims.
Perform training to promote involvement in anti-trafficking campaigns
Administer initiatives to boost advocacy on anti-trafficking and the presence of the IACAT-ADVOCOM
Itanong Mo Kay Ato!
The program “Itanong Mo Kay Ato!” is made possible with the collaboration of the CFO and the Arellano Law Foundation. It’s an online legal consulting service that addresses various issues on illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and mail-order spouse schemes. This program aims to provide convenient and accessible legal advice for Filipinos, especially OFWs and migrants, queries regarding human trafficking and other relevant issues. Through this, Filipinos can access direct online legal advice and reach out to those who can’t afford it.
Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) or Link for Philippine Development
The LINKAPIL was created and launched by the CFO, resulting in deep and wide ties to Filipinos living overseas. It’s a system that enables overseas Filipinos to transmit different resources to bolster small and impactful projects that benefit the economic and social development of the Philippines. With LINKAPIL, the assistance provided by Filipinos living abroad to develop the following:
Aid in the education of Filipino youngsters by granting scholarships, buying educational supplies, and constructing classrooms
Develop livelihood opportunities by financing activities that generate revenue for victims of natural disasters or marginalized groups.
Promote development by building minor infrastructure, like dwellings, water wells, and latrines.
Promote healthy communities by supporting feeding programs, medical missions, medicines, medical supplies, and equipment distribution.
Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards
MAM Awards honors the significant and positive contributions that raise public awareness on issues regarding Filipino migration, including illegal recruitment, human trafficking, political crisis, remittance flows, brain drain, brain circulation, and families left overseas and in the Philippines. This award is for participating government and private institutions, media outlets, and practitioners in advertising, print, radio, internet, movies, and television.
Month of Overseas Filipinos
The Month of Overseas Filipinos is a celebration co-chaired by the CFO. The Philippine Migrant Rights Watch (PMRW) also heads this celebration – an organization of migrant civil society organizations.
Overseas Filipino Centenarian Awards and Incentives
Also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, the Republic Act 10868, “An Act Honoring and Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Filipino Centenarians, and For Other Other Purposes,” is an honor that gives additional privileges and benefits to Filipino centenarians. Whether overseas or in the Philippines, all Filipino centenarians will be honored by granting them a centenarian gift worth P100,000.
Moreover, all Filipino centenarians will receive a Letter of Felicitation from the Philippine President, praising them for their longevity. As part of the annual Elderly Filipino Week, the country celebrates the first Sunday of October as the National Respect for Centenarians Day from October 1 to 7.
PESO Sense or the Philippine Financial Freedom Campaign
To reach out to all Filipinos, the PESO Sense utilizes new technology to provide online financial literacy lessons to students, remittance recipients/senders, young adults, homemakers, employed, business owners, and retirees. This campaign aims to provide free online training modules accessible on the PESO Sense website, where each training module is for the specific needs of various participants.
Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas
Founded through Executive Order No 498 in December 1991, the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas is a biennial award granted to respected Filipino organizations and individuals for their exceptional contributions to national progress efforts or achievements in their field. The CFO manages this program and awards foreign organizations and individuals, assisting the country or developing causes for Filipino communities overseas.
Ugnayan Series
The Ugnayan Series is run by the CFO in partnership with other government and non-government agencies, aiming for continuous ties with Filipinos across the world, overseeing the welfare of migrants, and considering various ways to cooperate with diaspora participants. In addition, it aims to strengthen Filipino communities by motivating them to partake in social remittance, investment, and entrepreneurial activities.
YouLeaD (Youth Leaders in Diaspora)
Formerly known as Lakbay-Aral, YouLeaD is a portal enabling Filipino youth residing abroad to recover their roots and history. This program has been reformed and remained relevant to the new generations, instilling an in-depth comprehension of what it truly means to be a Filipino. It combines education with lectures on the history and language of the Philippines.
This program also includes guided tours to stunning and historical monuments in the country, partaking in local festivals, and interaction with Filipino students, indigenous community members, and government officials. Furthermore, foreign nationals have contributed to enhancing YouLead, including participants from the United States, China, Switzerland, France, Spain, and the Middle East.
With their participation, YouLead created new modules, like Arts and Culture, Rest and Recreation for Wellness, Eco-Tourism, and Tracing the Philippine Roots.
Overseas Filipinos – CFO Online Registration System (OF-CORS)
Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP)
The GCP is for first-time registrants who are Filipino partners/fiance/spouses of foreign nationals, former Filipinos, or dual citizens of other countries.
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
The PDOS is for Immigrant Visa holders, excluding Filipino partners/fiance/spouses of foreign nationals, former Filipinos, or dual citizens who didn’t take the Tele-counseling.
J1/EVP PDOS
This program enables online registration for J1 Visa holders for US Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) participants.
AU Pair CFS
AU Pair Visa Holders (CFS) can also register online through OF-CORS.
Re-Issuance, Revalidation, and Amendment with GCP
With OF-CORS, you can also access the following online services:
Former attended counselees registration
Lost Counseling Certificate Replacement
CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate amendment
CFO Emigration Registration Sticker revalidation
Summary
To sum up, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will benefit all Filipinos, whether they’re living abroad or in the Philippines. This government agency aims to promote and protect the welfare, rights, and interests of Filipino immigrants, permanent residents, and naturalized or dual citizens of another country. Aside from that, the CFO helps strengthen the ties of Filipinos living overseas to their motherland and encourages them to partake in the social and economic development of the Philippines. Therefore, the CFO connects Filipinos worldwide.
