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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DMW exec replaces Arnell Ignacio as OWWA administrator

DMW exec replaces Arnell Ignacio as OWWA administrator

Published May 16, 2025 07:29 pm
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan takes oath as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) before DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on May 16, 2025. (Photo: DMW)
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan takes oath as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) before DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on May 16, 2025. (Photo: DMW)

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan was appointed as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), replacing TV-personality-turned-public-servant Arnell Ignacio.

Caunan took her oath of office before DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac on Friday, May 16.

Cacdac said that Caunan has a “deep experience” in international labor policy which she could use in championing the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Prior to the post, Caunan played a key role in forging 15 bilateral labor agreements with countries such as Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait as DMW undersecretary, each one strengthening protection for OFWs around the world.

“She has been a trailblazer, that’s even an understatement. The frontier she has opened for bilateral and international cooperation has been amazing. She has the legal know-how, the heart, the common sense, and the common touch, which is the most important,” Cacdac said. 

A seasoned lawyer with a strong track record in labor, civil, administrative, and criminal law, Caunan has also been a long-time advocate for the rights of migrant workers, offering legal guidance and support to those in need, Cacdac noted.

Cadac said that Caunan’s dynamism, legal acumen, and strategic leadership have made her a “trusted voice” for OFWs in both government and international circles.

Caunan thanked President Marcos Jr. and the DMW for their trust and confidence in her to lead the OWWA.

Meanwhile, Ignacio served as the OWWA administrator in 2022 after being appointed by Marcos. He was a deputy administrator at the said agency from 2018 to 2019 under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Related Tags

DMW OWWA Patricia Yvonne Caunan Hans Leo Cacdac
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