DMW, TP Philippines partner to support returning OFWs

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and TP in the Philippines have signed a new partnership to provide comprehensive reintegration assistance to returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed at the DMW National Office in Mandaluyong City, aims to assist OFWs who have experienced illegal recruitment or human trafficking.

TP in the Philippines Chief People Officer Jeffrey Johnson joined DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara to lead the ceremonial signing.

“This partnership gives returning OFWs, especially victims of trafficking and illegal recruitment, a fresh opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose,” said Johnson.

The collaboration outlines a full-cycle support program where TP will deliver job readiness and recruitment services while the DMW will identify eligible OFWs for training and placement.

“This is not just employment — this is empowerment,” said Alcantara.

The DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau and National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) will coordinate the selection and endorsement of qualified returnees.

The program seeks to provide stable employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, which remains one of the Philippines’ most resilient and growing sectors.

According to TP, returning OFWs will receive training tailored to their existing skills and employment history to ensure an efficient transition into sustainable roles.

The signing was attended by DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau Director Geraldine Mendez, NRCO Director Andrea Luisa Anolin, and other key officials from both agencies.

Standing in support of the partnership were TP’s Human Resources Manager Cecilia Hicaro, Talent Acquisition Director Ferly May Cordeta, Talent Acquisition Specialist Aura Manalo, and Wellbeing Specialist Janna Dasigan.

DMW AIRTIP Division Chief Atty. Kristina Marie Joy B. Andal-Escosia also participated in the signing, representing programs focused on anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

The partnership underscores a broader government effort to promote safe migration and reintegration, aligning with the Philippines’ national agenda to protect migrant workers and their families.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, OFW remittances totaled USD 36.14 billion in 2024, highlighting the sector’s economic importance and the need for reintegration pathways.

Both TP and the DMW reaffirmed their shared goal of providing dignified and meaningful employment opportunities that contribute to national development.