DMW Trese

09/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗛𝗦𝗨𝗗 𝟭𝟯 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

To strengthen community awareness on safe migration and prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office XIII, through its Migrant Workers Protection Division (MWPtD), engaged homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in Bislig City during a capacity-building activity conducted on October 7-8, 2026, in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Regional Office XIII.

Mr. Anthony C. Fuentes, Chief Labor and Employment Officer, served as one of the resource persons, discussing DMW’s mandates, programs, and services, particularly its Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) advocacy. The session reached 40 participants composed of HOA officers and personnel from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bislig City.

The activity equipped participants with practical information on recognizing and preventing illegal recruitment and human trafficking, as well as accessing DMW assistance and services. Participants expressed their appreciation for the session and committed to sharing the information during their regular HOA meetings to help raise awareness and protect community members from recruitment-related abuses and exploitation.

The initiative also highlighted the partnership between DMW Caraga and DHSUD Regional Office XIII in bringing essential information closer to communities. Through this collaboration, both agencies aim to empower homeowners’ associations to serve as partners in disseminating accurate information on safe migration and preventing illegal recruitment and human trafficking at the community level.

Through sustained advocacy and inter-agency collaboration, DMW Caraga continues to promote informed and vigilant communities that help safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

09/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮, 𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽 𝟴𝟱 𝟰𝗣𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Eighty-five (85) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) team leaders, cluster links, and provincial links gained knowledge and practical tools to guide families on safe overseas employment and financial planning through a training conducted by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office XIII in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga.

The Training of Trainers on the Pre-Migration Orientation Seminar and Financial Planning (PMOS-FP) Training Manual was held on October 6–7, 2026, at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City. The participants are expected to cascade their learnings to 4Ps families and communities.

The activity aimed to equip 4Ps personnel with knowledge and practical approaches in guiding families who are considering overseas employment, particularly on the realities, costs, risks, and responsibilities associated with migration. It also emphasized the importance of preparing the family and managing finances before, during, and after migration.

Among the topics discussed were preparing oneself and the family for overseas work, realities of working abroad, recruitment processes and avoiding illegal recruitment, migration costs and financing, resource stocktaking, financial planning, budgeting and saving, debt management, and gender equality and the sharing of family and financial responsibilities.

DMW Caraga Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao served as one of the resource persons, discussing modules on recruitment processes, migration costs and financing, and financial planning. Other DMW Caraga resource persons included Eval B. Makinano, Chief Labor and Employment Officer, and Anne Jane Hallasgo, Senior Labor and Employment Officer, who facilitated discussions on various aspects of migration realities, financial preparedness, and gender-responsive family and financial responsibilities.

Through the training, DMW Caraga and DSWD Field Office Caraga aim to strengthen the capacity of frontline 4Ps personnel to provide families with accurate and practical information on the benefits and challenges of overseas employment, responsible recruitment, financial preparedness, and family decision-making. This will help families assess whether migration is the right option for them and prepare for its potential impact on their household.

The trained personnel are expected to cascade their learnings to families and communities, helping prospective migrant workers make informed decisions and protect themselves from illegal recruitment, financial difficulties, and other migration-related risks. Through this partnership, both agencies promote safe and responsible migration while supporting families in building financial preparedness and resilience.




-FP

07/10/2026

𝟵𝟴 𝗢𝗙𝗪𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 ₱𝟱.𝟲𝟮𝟱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗞𝗦𝗬𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

A total of 98 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte received ₱5,625,000.00 in AKSYON Fund (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office XIII during a distribution activity on October 6, 2026, at the DMW Caraga Conference Hall in Butuan City.

Of the total assistance, 53 beneficiaries from Butuan City received ₱3,025,000.00, while 45 beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte received ₱2,600,000.00, providing financial support to OFWs who faced various forms of distress and challenging circumstances while working abroad.

During the activity, DMW Caraga Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao emphasized that the assistance is intended to help beneficiaries recover from the difficult circumstances they experienced abroad, address immediate needs such as medical expenses, and regain financial stability. She encouraged the beneficiaries to use the assistance wisely, whether for essential needs or as capital for a small livelihood or business, as they rebuild their lives and move forward with their families in the Philippines.

Prior to the awarding, Marissa A. Garay, RSW, Supervising Labor Employment Officer of DMW Caraga, led a Kumustahan session with the beneficiaries, providing an opportunity for the OFWs to share their experiences and learn about self-care and mental health awareness. The session also formed part of DMW Caraga’s observance of Mental Health Month, highlighting the importance of prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being as they navigate life after working abroad. It also encouraged the beneficiaries to recognize the value of seeking support, practicing self-care, and maintaining a healthy mindset as they rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families in the Philippines.

Under DMW Department Order No. 02, series of 2025, the AKSYON Fund provides legal, medical, financial, repatriation, evacuation, rescue, and other forms of assistance to OFWs experiencing distress or economic displacement due to circumstances such as abuse, exploitation, serious illness, illegal recruitment, war, political unrest, natural calamities, and other extraordinary situations, including support for their recovery and reintegration.

Through the AKSYON Fund, DMW Caraga continues to provide assistance to distressed OFWs, helping them address their needs and regain stability as they rebuild their lives with their families in the Philippines.

06/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗡𝗣, 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝟭𝟯 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office XIII, represented by Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao, paid a courtesy visit to Police Brigadier General Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office XIII (PRO 13).

The meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between the DMW and PNP through enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement operations, and case referral and coordination, particularly in addressing incidents involving illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

The engagement also opened opportunities for the DMW to further support the capacity-building of PNP personnel on anti-illegal recruitment and anti-trafficking laws, emerging modus operandi, victim identification, and appropriate referral pathways.

Through stronger inter-agency cooperation, the DMW and PNP reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting migrant workers, preventing illegal recruitment, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

DMW Caraga and PRO 13: Working together for safer migration and stronger protection of Filipino migrant workers.

06/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 ₱𝟳𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗘𝗟𝗣𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝟱𝟬 𝗢𝗙𝗪𝘀

A total of 50 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Caraga benefited from ₱750,000 in livelihood assistance released by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office XIII through the Enhanced Livelihood Program for Overseas Filipino Workers Reintegration (ELPOR) on October 2, 2026. Each beneficiary received ₱15,000 to help establish or strengthen their livelihood ventures and build sustainable sources of income.

As part of the intervention, DMW Caraga conducted a Kumustahan Session on October 2 at the DMW Caraga Conference Hall in Butuan City, attended by 27 ELPOR beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte. The session provided an avenue for the beneficiaries to share their current experiences, assess their well-being, and reflect on their situation as they transition into livelihood activities.

The session also encouraged the beneficiaries to assess their readiness and identify areas where they may need further support as they prepare to start or develop their businesses. Through the discussions, DMW Caraga emphasized that livelihood assistance goes beyond financial support by providing beneficiaries with opportunities to prepare themselves for their transition into entrepreneurship and income-generating activities.

Meanwhile, another DMW Caraga team travelled to various provinces and municipalities across the region to facilitate the release of livelihood assistance under the Serbisyo sa Tugkaran Initiative. The initiative brings DMW programs directly to beneficiaries in areas far from the regional office in Butuan City, making essential assistance more accessible to returning OFWs and their families without requiring them to travel long distances.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to DMW Caraga for the assistance, which would help them start or strengthen livelihood ventures in their respective communities, generate income, and support their families.

Through ELPOR and the Serbisyo sa Tugkaran Initiative, DMW Caraga continues to bring livelihood support closer to returning OFWs and their communities, helping them transition toward sustainable income-generating activities and economic reintegration.

05/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝗚𝗨𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗙𝗪 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office XIII (Caraga) continues to expand its local partnerships to make migrant worker protection and services more accessible to communities across the region.

Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao led DMW Caraga in formalizing separate partnerships with the Municipality of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, represented by Mayor Pauline Marie R. Masendo, and the Municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, represented by Mayor Michael T. Corilla, through the signing of Memoranda of Agreement on October 1, 2026.

The partnerships were established through separate Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) that provide a framework for closer coordination between DMW Caraga and the two LGUs in implementing the Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) program at the local level. The agreements will likewise support the establishment of OFW Help Desks to serve as accessible points for information, referrals, and assistance on overseas employment and DMW programs and services.

As local partners, the respective Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) will help facilitate the delivery of these services and address concerns of OFWs, prospective migrant workers, and their families. DMW Caraga will provide guidance and capacity-building support to help PESO personnel effectively assist clients and facilitate appropriate referrals to concerned DMW offices and services.

The partnerships underscore the shared responsibility of national and local governments in promoting safe, orderly, and legal migration. Through stronger local coordination and accessible referral mechanisms, DMW Caraga and the LGUs of Talacogon and San Miguel aim to bring migrant worker services closer to communities while reinforcing efforts to prevent illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗖-𝗙𝗙 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga participated in the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Filipino Family (RIAC-FF) Pickleball Inter-Agency Open Play held on October 1, 2026, at the Gesu Eucharistic Children’s Inc., Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The activity formed part of the Filipino Family Week celebration, observed from September 27 to October 3, 2026, with the theme, “Families, Equalities, and Child Wellbeing: Pamilya, Pagkakapantay-pantay, at Kapakanan ng Bata!”

Four representatives from DMW Caraga participated in the activity, with Mr. Smart Gill Dela Rama emerging as the champion in the pickleball open play.

Through its participation, DMW Caraga joins fellow government agencies and partners in promoting camaraderie, teamwork, wellness, and family-centered values in support of the Filipino Family Week celebration.




-FF

01/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴

As part of the Province of Dinagat Islands Charter Day celebration, the Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office XIII (DMW RO XIII) conducted a capacity-building seminar on Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

The activity brought together around 40 representatives from OFW associations, law enforcement agencies, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers from the province’s seven municipalities, and local government units.

Assistant Regional Director Aerrine Marie R. Reyes, representing Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao, delivered the opening message and emphasized the important role of communities and local partners in preventing illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons, particularly in the context of labor migration.

Chief Labor and Employment Officer Anthony C. Fuentes, RSW of the Migrant Workers Protection Division (MWPtD) discussed the mandate, programs, and services of DMW, including labor migration, referral pathways, and available livelihood and welfare assistance for OFWs and their families.

Atty. Jennifer C. Liem of MWPtD led the discussion on Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons, highlighting common recruitment and trafficking schemes and the importance of verifying overseas employment opportunities through legitimate and authorized channels.

The seminar forms part of DMW RO XIII’s continuing efforts to equip communities and local partners across Caraga with knowledge and practical tools to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.

The activity also concluded with an orientation on the proposed Memorandum of Agreement among DMW, OWWA, DOLE, TESDA, and participating LGUs, with DMW as the proponent. The proposed partnership seeks to strengthen inter-agency coordination in AIRTIP prevention and establish effective referral pathways for OFWs and their families to appropriate government programs and services.

01/10/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗧-𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office XIII participated in the finalization of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Strategic and Operational Plan held on September 29–30, 2026, at the Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City.

Representing DMW Caraga was Atty. Marinelle Aycee M. Perral, RIACAT-VAWC focal person and member of the Committee’s Technical Working Group (TWG). The two-day activity brought together TWG members to review, validate, and finalize the Committee’s accomplishments, strategic directions, indicators, and targets under the RIACAT-VAWC Strategic Plan 2023–2027.

The TWG assessed the Committee’s progress across its four Key Result Areas (KRAs): Advocacy and Prevention; Protection, Recovery and Reintegration; Prosecution and Law Enforcement; and Partnership and Networking.

DMW Caraga’s Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) Program contributes to the achievement of RIACAT-VAWC’s strategic targets, particularly in Advocacy and Prevention and Protection, Recovery and Reintegration, through its programs and interventions addressing illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

As a member of the RIACAT-VAWC TWG, DMW Caraga continues to contribute to inter-agency planning and coordination, while strengthening partnerships with agencies and organizations whose programs complement the Department’s efforts to protect migrant workers and prevent trafficking and illegal recruitment.


#𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗧-𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖