Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure that their hotlines are open for all Filipino migrant workers and ensure that assistance remains readily available whenever needed.

During the recent deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget of the DMW at the Senate, Go pointed to the struggles of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who, before the DMW’s establishment, relied on scattered forms of support and were often forced to plead for help across various channels.

“I want to remind the officials of the DMW and OWWA na sana po ay panatilihing niyong bukas ang inyong mga opisina 24/7, lalong-lalo na po sa mga naaapi nating mga OFWs, na meron silang matakbuhan, habang malayo po sila sa kanilang pamilya (I want to remind the officials of the DMW and OWWA that I hope you keep your offices open 24/7, especially for our oppressed OFWs, so that they have someone to run to, while they are away from their family,” Go appealed.

“Yung iba po ay nananawagan sa radyo, sa telebisyon, sa Facebook, kahit saan na lang po sila humihingi ng tulong (Others made their call over radio, television, over Facebook, or wherever they can ask for help),” he pointed out.

As one of the senators who pushed for the creation of the DMW, Go reiterated the department’s mission and values, describing it as a “pillar of support” designed to ensure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and access to essential services for all migrant workers.

That is why, Go said it is very important to ensure an efficient and effective utilization of DMW funds so that government resources would be directed solely towards programs benefitting OFWs who are most in need.

“Lagi po nating unahin ang kapakanan ng ating mga OFWs dahil para po sa kanila ang lahat ng mga inisyatibo na ginagawa natin dito (Let's always prioritize the welfare of our OFWs because all the initiatives we do here are for them),” he emphasized, calling on his colleagues and the agencies to focus on responsible budget management.

“Siguraduhin po natin na magagamit po ang pondo ng tama, ang pondong ipagkakaloob sa departamento, upang matulungan po ang ating mga OFWs na lubos na nangangailangan),” Let's make sure that the fund can be used correctly, the funds that will be provided to the department, to help our OFWs who are in dire need),” he stressed.

Go, likewise, stressed the importance of social protection that the DMW provides, not only for migrant workers but also for their families who remain in the Philippines.

“Apart from safeguarding the rights and welfare of our OFWs, the DMW also offers social protection not only to our OFWs, but also to their relatives and family here in the country,” he explained.