Ople thanks House panel for approving first ever DMW budget

Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople on Thursday expressed her gratitude to the House Committee on Appropriations for approving the P15.2-billion budget for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

“We draw inspiration and courage from the kind words of support for the DMW's budget from the committee chair Representative David ‘Jay-Jay’ Suarez and all its members, as we begin formal bilateral labor talks here in Saudi Arabia," Ople said in a statement.

Ople, who arrived in Saudi Arabia to hold bilateral discussions with officials of the kingdom's government, said she would be happy to share the development with the Filipino communities there.

“Napakalaking morale booster ang pag-approve ng DMW budget sa committee level ng Kongreso at masaya ko itong ibabalita sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Saudi Arabia," Ople said.

The DMW secretary said she is set to meet with the representatives of the Filipino community and will visit government-run shelters to check the situation of distressed workers.

Majority of the members of the committee moved for approval of the P15.2 billion budget of the DMW, of which P3.5 billion is allocated for the office of the secretary and the department’s various units and bureaus.

Meanwhile, P11.7 billion is being set aside for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the DMW.

The committee said it will also endorse an increase in the P13 million budget of the OFW Hospital based in Mabalacat, Pampanga with around P200 to P250 million for capital outlay and operating expenses. — BM, GMA News