DBM earmarks P15.2B budget for DMW in 2023

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has earmarked P15.2 billion to the newly created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under the proposed P5.268-trillion 2023 national budget.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DBM said that of the total amount, P3.5 billion is allocated for the DMW’s Office of the Secretary.

Seventy seven percent or P2.7 billion of the budget for the DMW’s Office of the Secretary goes to the Overseas Employment and Welfare Program, which includes P1.2 billion AKSYON Fund pursuant to Republic Act No 11641.

Likewise, under Section 20 of Republic Act No. 11641 or the Migrant Workers Act, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is mandated as an attached agency of the DMW.

With this, under the 2023 National Expenditure Program, a budget allocation amounting to  P10.039 billion is earmarked for the Emergency Repatriation Program of OWWA.

This covers a number of 367,287 OFWs to date, according to the DBM.

The said program provides assistance in bringing back distressed OFWs and human remains back to the country.

Workers are provided with proper help, temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home, psycho-social counseling, stress debriefing, and transport services to their respective localities, the DBM said.

The budget allocation for DMW and OWWA is in line with the Marcos administration's commitment to uphold the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and ensure the efficient delivery of services and assistance to OFWs, according to the Budget Department .

“Our OFWs are our modern day heroes. We honor their sacrifices, as they work hard to uplift the lives of their families and to enhance our country’s economy through their remittances," said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The Budget chief added that the DBM is in full support of the President’s advocacy for the betterment of our OFWs' condition.

"We know and feel the difficulties our kababayans face by being far from their loved ones and we continue to ensure that they will be afforded with the appropriate support they need,” said Pangandaman.

Other programs included in the DMW budget allocation for 2023 are the Overseas Employment Regulatory Program, Labor Migration Policy and International Cooperation Program, Maritime Research and Skills Competency Program, and Provision for OFW Hospital and Diagnostic Center under Overseas Employment and Welfare Program among others, the DBM said. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News