Department of Migrant Workers - Davao Region

04/08/2026

📢 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1372, the Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office XI informs the public that its offices located at NCCC Mall Buhangin and OSSCO–Gaisano Mall will be closed on August 14, 2026 (Friday), in celebration of the Kadayawan Festival, a special non-working holiday in the City of Davao.

Regular operations will resume on
Monday, August 17, 2026.

For urgent concerns:
[email protected] | 0931 029 8009

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

31/07/2026

BUILDING STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS AND MULTI-SECTORAL COORDINATION FOR OFWs AND THEIR FAMILIES

The Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office XI (DMW RO XI) joined the 2nd Migration, Environment, Peace, and Development (MEPD) Mindanao Summit 2026 on 28–30 July 2026 at the Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City. Organized by Mindanao Migrants for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI), this year's summit carried the theme, "Advancing Solidarity and Collective Action for Migrants' Rights," and brought together representatives from national government agencies, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and faith-based organizations to strengthen collaboration in promoting the rights and welfare of migrants and their families.

Representing the Department of Migrant Workers, Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara presented the National Labor Migration Situationer, highlighting the current labor migration landscape and the Philippine Government's continuing efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He likewise underscored the vital role of OFWs as co-architects of national development and the importance of sustaining responsive, rights-based migration governance.

As part of the summit, DMW RO XI also served as one of the facilitators during the thematic session on Anak OFWs or children left behind by Overseas Filipino Workers. The session gathered valuable insights from various stakeholders and resulted in the consolidation of program and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening prevention and protection mechanisms that promote the welfare, development, and rights of children of OFWs.

The three-day summit culminated in the Signing of the Memorandum of Commitment (MOC) among DMW Regional Office XI, represented by Labor Attaché II and Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Marie Rose Escalada, Mindanao Migrants for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI), and other partner stakeholders. The signing reaffirmed the collective commitment of all participating institutions to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration and advance coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable initiatives that uphold the rights, welfare, and well-being of migrant workers and their families.

30/07/2026

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐃𝐌𝐖 𝐑𝐎 𝐗𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

A stronger and more coordinated response against human trafficking took center stage as government agencies, educational institutions, barangay officials, and Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) organizations gathered for TalaKapihan: Talakayan at Kapihan at the 4th Floor of NCCC Mall Buhangin. Organized by the Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office (DMW RO) XI in observance of National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month, the forum carried the theme “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon!” and reinforced the shared responsibility of government and communities in preventing trafficking in persons and illegal recruitment.

Against the backdrop of increasingly sophisticated trafficking and online recruitment schemes, the dialogue highlighted the need for heightened vigilance, stronger institutional coordination, and informed public participation. Experts from the Department of Justice, Commission on Overseas Filipinos, City Government of Davao, Philippine National Police Regional Office XI, and Bureau of Immigration led discussions on the country's anti-trafficking legal framework, emerging patterns of exploitation, victim protection, safe migration, and the role of communities in detecting and reporting trafficking-related activities. The exchange of insights underscored that addressing trafficking in persons requires more than enforcement, it demands sustained education, accessible information, and proactive collaboration across sectors.

The forum also served as a venue for strengthening partnerships among key stakeholders committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers and other vulnerable sectors. By bringing together representatives from schools, local communities, government agencies, and OFW organizations, TalaKapihan encouraged participants to become advocates for safe migration, recognize the warning signs of trafficking and illegal recruitment, and help build resilient communities capable of preventing exploitation before it occurs. The activity reaffirmed that lasting progress in combating human trafficking can only be achieved through collective action grounded in shared accountability and respect for human dignity.

DMW RO XI reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing initiatives that promote safe, orderly, and informed migration. As trafficking schemes continue to evolve, the Regional Office calls on every Filipino to remain vigilant, verify recruitment opportunities through legitimate government channels, and report suspicious activities. Ending human trafficking requires more than laws and enforcement; it demands the collective action of informed communities, responsible institutions, and citizens united in protecting the dignity, rights, and future of every Filipino.

30/07/2026

HAPPENING NOW !

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region XI is currently conducting the “Talakapihan” at the 4th Floor, NCCC Mall Buhangin, Davao City, with the theme:

“Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon.”

Join us LIVE as we engage in meaningful discussions and strengthen public awareness on the prevention of human trafficking. Together, let us promote safe migration, protect vulnerable individuals, and reaffirm our shared commitment to ending human trafficking.

28/07/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬: 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘢 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region XI proudly features the Buy Lokal by OFWs Showcase at the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs, located at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. The dedicated exhibit highlights the inspiring journeys of former Overseas Filipino Workers who transformed their experiences abroad into thriving enterprises that contribute to their communities and local economic development.

The showcase brings together a diverse collection of products representing the creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of OFWs and OFW family organizations across the Davao Region. From handcrafted bags and woven handicrafts to locally developed food products, specialty coffee, mushroom-based innovations, and other homegrown creations, each display reflects the determination and perseverance of Filipinos who chose to build their future back home.

Featured in the exhibit are enterprises and organizations such as Sweet Rose Eco-Bags Trading, Rana MoriCrisp, Mavil’s Mushroom ATBP., Lynn’s Native Coffee Mix, Tita Nancy’s, Nang Lita’s Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce, Balik Maco Handicrafts, and the Calapagan OFW Family Circle, each representing a unique story of successful reintegration and entrepreneurship.

The Buy Lokal by OFWs Showcase also highlights the accomplishments of DMW’s LIKHA Global and LIKHAng Kababaihan winners, whose enterprises stand as inspiring examples of how reintegration programs empower returning OFWs to create sustainable livelihoods, generate employment, and promote local innovation.

More than an exhibit, the Buy Lokal by OFWs Showcase is a celebration of Filipino resilience and ingenuity. It recognizes the achievements of OFW entrepreneurs and demonstrates how skills, knowledge, and experiences gained overseas can be transformed into meaningful opportunities that benefit families and communities.

Located within the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs, the exhibit serves as a lasting tribute to the hard work and determination of our modern-day heroes, reminding every visitor that behind every locally made product is a story of sacrifice, courage, and a successful journey home.

28/07/2026

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐅𝐖 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐇𝐀 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region XI proudly honors the outstanding achievements of its LIKHA Global and LIKHAng Kababaihan winners through a dedicated Buy Lokal Showcase at the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs, located at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

The showcase serves as a permanent platform for the products and inspiring stories of former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who transformed their reintegration journeys into thriving enterprises. More than a product display, it celebrates the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of returning migrant workers whose success continues to create opportunities within their communities.

Among those featured are:

• Sweet Rose Montepio, National Grand Winner of the 2025 LIKHAng Kababaihan Business Plan Competition, whose eco-friendly handcrafted bags have grown into a nationally recognized enterprise that champions sustainability, women empowerment, and successful OFW reintegration.

• Marisol P. Amihan, National Winner of the 2025 LIKHA Global Business Plan Competition, who returned home after 18 years overseas to establish Alexsel Mae Farm in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Her sustainable agribusiness promotes organic agriculture, beekeeping, and skills development, with a vision of creating a TESDA-accredited and ATI-recognized farm school for future farmers and entrepreneurs.

• Jewel Monique T. Into, Regional Winner of the 2026 LIKHAng Kababaihan Business Plan Competition, whose Rana’s MoriCrisp transforms locally sourced malunggay into nutritious, value-added products while promoting local agriculture and community-based entrepreneurship.

The three entrepreneurs were also present during the inauguration of the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs, where they proudly showcased their locally made products to government officials, partner agencies, stakeholders, and fellow OFWs. Their participation highlighted the impact of DMW’s reintegration programs in empowering returning migrant workers to build sustainable businesses and contribute to local economic development.

The Buy Lokal Showcase at the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs stands as a lasting tribute to the success of OFW entrepreneurs. It reminds every traveler that beyond every product is a story of sacrifice, determination, and homecoming. Through this initiative, DMW Region XI continues to promote Filipino innovation while providing returning OFWs with greater visibility, market opportunities, and recognition for their remarkable journeys.

Every product on display is more than a local creation. It is proof that with the right support, returning OFWs can transform experience gained abroad into enterprises that inspire, empower, and strengthen communities.

28/07/2026

📢 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝!

Join us for TalaKapihan, a dialogue‑forum on Anti‑Trafficking in Persons, in observance and support of the National Anti‑Trafficking in Persons Month.

📍 Venue: 4th Floor, NCCC Mall Buhangin, Davao City
📅 Theme: “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon”

This gathering brings together agencies, organizations, and advocates to share insights, data, and best practices in the fight against human trafficking.

✨ Be part of the conversation.
✨ Stand with us in protecting dignity and dreams.
✨ Together, let’s end human trafficking.

Join us and help combat human trafficking today!

28/07/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐅𝐖 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬’ 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region XI proudly showcases the exceptional works of former Overseas Filipino Worker and renowned Davao fashion designer Benjie Panizales at the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs, located at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

As part of the Buy Lokal initiative, Benjie’s designs now greet departing OFWs, celebrating the remarkable journey of a migrant worker who transformed years of hard work abroad into a thriving local enterprise.

Before becoming one of Davao City’s respected fashion designers, Benjie spent four years in Doha, Qatar, where he honed his craft as a fashion designer in a prestigious couture house. Armed with international experience, discipline, and determination, he returned home in 2014 with a vision to build his own fashion business.

Today, his atelier is known for creating elegant garments that celebrate Filipino artistry while providing livelihood opportunities for local workers. His designs, inspired by the rich weaving traditions and cultural heritage of Mindanao, reflect his commitment to preserving Filipino identity through fashion.

The display at Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs is more than an exhibit of beautiful clothing. It is a tribute to the resilience of Filipino migrant workers who return home carrying not only savings, but also knowledge, skills, and dreams that help build stronger communities.

Through the Buy Lokal initiative, DMW Region XI continues to promote the products, talents, and success stories of former OFWs, proving that reintegration extends beyond employment. It empowers returning migrant workers to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders.

As travelers pass through the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs, Benjie Panizales’ creations stand as a symbol of what is possible when courage meets opportunity. His journey reminds every OFW that the greatest success is not only found overseas, but in coming home, creating opportunities for others, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

From the runways of Qatar to the heart of Davao, Benjie Panizales continues to weave a story of Filipino excellence, one masterpiece at a time.

28/07/2026

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞: 𝐃𝐌𝐖 𝐗𝐈, 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 “𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧” 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region XI, in partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Filipino Advocates for Visual Arts (FAVA), proudly showcases the artworks of children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through the “Pinta ng Kabataan” exhibit, now on display at the newly inaugurated Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

The exhibit features artworks created under the “Colorful Future: A Mural Painting Initiative for Children of OFWs,” a program that provided children with a safe and creative space to express their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations through art. Guided by professional artists from FAVA and supported by partner agencies, the young participants transformed their experiences into meaningful pieces inspired by Filipino culture, the sacrifices of OFWs, and their dreams for the future.

More than an art exhibit, Pinta ng Kabataan celebrates the resilience, creativity, and strength of children whose parents work overseas. Through every brushstroke, they share stories of love, hope, family, and perseverance, offering a glimpse into the lives of the families behind every Filipino migrant worker.

Now permanently exhibited at the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs, these inspiring artworks welcome departing and arriving OFWs, serving as a heartfelt tribute to their sacrifices and the enduring bond they share with their children. The exhibit also reflects the shared commitment of DMW Region XI, BOC, and FAVA to promote the welfare of OFW families through meaningful partnerships that nurture creativity, emotional well-being, and community engagement.

Visit the Pinta ng Kabataan exhibit at the Kapihan sa Tahanan ng OFWs and witness how art gives children of OFWs a voice, celebrates their dreams, and honors the sacrifices of every OFW family.

24/07/2026