Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is eyeing the immediate operationalization of the newly-created Department of Migrant Workers.

"We look forward to the operationalization of the Department of Migrant Workers. Ang aking personal na isusulong — trabaho para sa maraming Pilipino (I will personally pursue jobs for many Filipinos)," Mayor Duterte said during Friday, April 1's hybrid "miting de avance” via Zoom with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world.
She was referring to Republic Act (RA) No.11641, also known as the Department of Migrant Workers Act. The new agency will absorb the functions of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and also regulate overseas employment and the reintegration of Filipino workers.
"Naniniwala ako na kung mayroong sapat na trabaho sa ating bansa, mas pipiliin ng mga Pilipino na manatili dito kaysa makipagsapalaran pa sa ibang bansa (I believe that if there are enough jobs in the country, Filipinos would chose to stay here rather than take risks abroad)," said the presidential daughter and Lakas-CMD chairperson.
In the two-year transition period provided under RA No.11641, Duterte said the POEA must immediately craft a solid implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that shall cover all the mandated functions and duties of the new agency, especially in the implementation of sound welfare programs and policies that respond to the concerns and needs of OFWs.
She also said that sufficient funding is needed for the proper operationalization of the Department of Migrant Workers so that it can look after the welfare of OFWs and their families.
The miting de avance for OFWs was held at the Hilton Manila hotel in Pasay City. Registered OFWs are allowed to cast their ballots ahead of the May 9, 2022 polls.