DMW’s ₱15.2 Billion Budget May Not be Enough, Says HoR

House of Representatives legislators called for an increase in the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) allotted 2023 budget. The HoR raised the issue during the new agency’s budget hearing late last week. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) intended to allot ₱15.2 billion for the DMW — which has since been approved. From the budget, ₱3.5 billion is designated for the Office of the Secretary. The remaining ₱11.7 billion will go to its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

However, many consider the aforementioned amount to be inadequate given the department’s coverage. “Considering the many agencies under the wing of the DMW… We can see that the P3.5-billion budget for the DMW is so much insufficient,” explained OFW Representative Marissa Magsino. “Considering the multidimensional nature of its core mandates involving labor, foreign relations, training, education, as well as its demanding regulatory responsibilities.”

Disregarding the budget for OWWA, the DMW originally requested a ₱7.93-billion budget from the DBM for its first allocation since it was created in December 2021. The department’s undersecretaries Hans Cacdac and Anthonette Allones noted that the DMW already has plans to significantly enhance the welfare of OFWs. Among these include the launch of an app along with the expansion of legal assistance available for OFWs.

Allones recognizes that the slash from the proposed budget is due to the limited finances for national agencies. Hence, the DMW will look to establish partnerships with the private sector and non-governmental organizations that are willing to provide their support. Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, on the other hand, believes that the budget does not reflect the economic benefits that the country receives from OFWs.

“We deserve way better services and support from the national government,” affirmed Brosas. The DMW’s budget only accounts for approximately 0.28% of the total National Expenditure Program (NEP). Yet, OFWs contribute around 8.9% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). In 2021, cash remittances from OFWs alone reached ₱1.59 trillion, based on findings by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Source: Rappler