QUEZON CITY — More than 1,400 overseas Filipino workers and their families gathered at the Quezon City MICE Center for the first OFW Global Summit, a landmark government-led effort to strengthen support services for Filipino migrant workers. Organized by the Department of Migrant Workers in partnership with the Quezon City local government and the National Reintegration Network, the summit served as a one-stop venue for employment assistance, legal support, and welfare services.
The event brought together multiple government agencies and partner organizations to deliver direct assistance to attendees. Services included job matching and employment opportunities, legal aid and contract verification, reintegration and livelihood programs, financial literacy and entrepreneurship guidance, and welfare and social protection services. The DMW described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to streamline support for OFWs and their families through coordinated government programs.
Why the Summit Matters for OFWs
Overseas Filipino Workers remain a key pillar of the Philippine economy. Their remittances contribute significantly to household income and national economic stability, fueling consumer spending, real estate purchases, and small business investments across the country. Despite their economic importance, OFWs often face challenges such as contract disputes, cultural adjustment, and difficulty accessing timely government support while abroad or upon returning home.
Events like the OFW Global Summit aim to address these gaps by bringing services directly to workers in accessible venues. For many attendees, the summit provided their first opportunity to consult face-to-face with multiple government agencies in a single location. The convenience of accessing job matching, legal advice, and financial guidance under one roof reduces the bureaucratic hurdles that OFWs frequently encounter.
A Stronger Focus on Reintegration
The summit also highlights the government's growing focus on reintegration. Returning OFWs often struggle to transition into sustainable livelihoods in the Philippines, having spent years building careers abroad. Through programs under the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, workers are being offered pathways into business development, skills training, and financial planning.
These reintegration efforts aim to support long-term stability beyond overseas employment, ensuring that OFWs do not feel compelled to return abroad out of economic necessity. The summit's inclusion of entrepreneurship guidance reflects a recognition that many returning workers possess capital, skills, and ambition that can fuel local economies if properly harnessed.
Protecting Workers Through Verified Channels
For current and aspiring OFWs, the DMW and OWWA remain the primary sources of verified assistance. Officials encourage workers to participate in legitimate government-led programs and verify recruitment and job offers through official channels. The summit reinforced this message by providing contract verification services directly, helping workers identify and avoid scams and illegal recruiters.
As global labor migration continues to evolve, initiatives like the OFW Global Summit reflect a stronger push toward centralized, accessible, and coordinated support for Filipino workers. The event signals that the government is prioritizing the welfare of OFWs not only as economic contributors but as citizens deserving of comprehensive protection, both abroad and at home.
