The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reiterated its commitment to continue providing fast, compassionate, and people-centered services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families this 2026.

At the agency’s first flag-raising ceremony for the year in Mandaluyong City on Monday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the Department’s “red carpet, not red tape” approach for migrant workers at every step of their journey.

“The department is the first responder to the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families,” Cacdac said in his speech.

Guest speaker Rev. Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag, executive director of Caritas Philippines, meanwhile, noted the importance of compassion and mercy, especially in public service, as they step into the “chaos” of another person’s world.

He also urged the DMW community to reflect on the deep desire to meet the needs of every migrant worker and their families, and to address the social costs of labor migration, especially the absence of mothers working abroad.

Cacdac said Caluag’s message highlights the DMW’s dedication to mission-driven service and sets a tone for the upcoming year, focusing on compassion, responsiveness, and shared responsibility for the well-being and dignity of OFWs and their families.

Also on Monday, Cacdac recognized DMW offices and frontline personnel who demonstrated exemplary work under the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund.

DMW National Capital Region (NCR) was recognized for distributing the highest amount of AKSYON Fund assistance at over PHP106 million, followed by Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) with PHP89.3 million, and Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) with PHP61 million.

Regional Office 3 also served the highest number of beneficiaries at 5,033, NCR assisted 1,838, and Regional Office 2 (Cagayan Valley) with 1,821.

During the holiday period, NCR helped 4,202 clients, followed by Regional Office 7 (Central Visayas) with 1,762 and DMW-PEGPB (Pre-Employment and Government Placement Bureau) with 1,024.

Cacdac also acknowledged offices and personnel who provided frontline services during the holiday period from Dec. 29, 2025, to Jan. 2, 2026.

“These recognitions emphasize DMW’s strong commitment to its role as the government’s primary responder for OFWs, ensuring that timely support reaches those most in need,” he said. (PNA)