Marcos names DMW exec Caunan as new OWWA administrator

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Caunan has replaced Arnell Ignacio. 

She took her oath of office before DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac today, May 16.

No reason was given by the Presidential Communications Office why Ignacio was replaced as OWWA administrator.

She took her oath of office before DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac today, May 16.

Prior to her appointment as OWWA administrator, Caunan served as DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation.

During her tenure there, Caunan helped negotiate and facilitate the signing of 15 bilateral labor migration agreements since 2022.

These deals are aimed at strengthening the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in partner countries, including Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait.
 
Caunan also led a law firm with expertise in labor, civil, administrative and criminal law. She has been an active advocate for migrant workers' rights, extending free legal aid and counsel through various forms. –NB, GMA Integrated News