BUCHAREST, Romania — Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac announced on August 5, 2026 that the government aims to establish a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Bucharest before the year ends. The new office will bring vital services closer to the growing number of Filipino workers in Romania.
A Dedicated Office for Romanian OFWs
Secretary Cacdac made the announcement during a dialogue with Filipino community leaders at the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest. The gathering, hosted by Ambassador Noel Eugene E. Servigon and attended by OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, tackled the most pressing concerns of overseas Filipino workers in the country. The conversation made clear that an on‑the‑ground labor office is urgently needed.
The planned MWO‑Bucharest will serve as the DMW’s direct operating arm in Romania. It will verify employment contracts, mediate labor disputes, and provide legal and welfare assistance without workers needing to travel to distant embassies. For the approximately 2,000 Filipinos now working in Romanian factories, shipyards, and households, the office promises faster and more responsive government support.
Listening to the Community
During the Bucharest meeting, community leaders shared firsthand observations about workplace challenges and gaps in access to government programs. Secretary Cacdac assured them that their voices shape policy. He described the Filipino community as one of the government’s strongest partners in ensuring no worker is abandoned abroad.
Administrator Caunan introduced the OWWA Digital Membership, a new online portal that allows OFWs to register and renew their welfare coverage from anywhere. The digital tool eliminates paperwork and long queues, making it easier for workers to stay protected. Both officials emphasized that the combination of a physical office and digital access will create a stronger safety net.
Immediate Help for a Worker in Distress
The delegation’s commitment was put to the test the very next day in Constanța. On August 6, Secretary Cacdac and Administrator Caunan met with a distressed Filipina domestic worker and immediately extended legal, welfare, and financial aid. The DMW, OWWA, and the Philippine Embassy are now coordinating her safe repatriation, and the case is being closely monitored.
The swift response demonstrated exactly why a permanent MWO is necessary. With an office on the ground, such interventions can happen faster and more systematically. The incident underscored the reality that timely government presence can change the course of a vulnerable worker’s life.
Digital Tools and Stronger Partnerships
Beyond the community dialogues, the DMW is working with Romanian authorities to strengthen the legal framework protecting Filipino workers. Romania’s recent Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026 bans placement fees and mandates digital licensing for recruitment agencies. The Philippines and Romania have also agreed to convene the first Joint Committee Meeting under their 2021 labor agreement, reinforcing commitments to ethical recruitment and fair treatment.
The dual approach—establishing a physical MWO while advancing bilateral policy—aims to build a comprehensive shield for OFWs. As more Filipinos find work in Eastern Europe, the DMW is racing to ensure that government support arrives before they need it.
