PHILIPPINES — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is asking Congress for ₱37.674 billion in 2027 funding, a dramatic increase from the ₱11.616 billion allocated under the National Expenditure Program. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the unpredictable geopolitical landscape demands resources ready for rapid mobilization.
A Plea for Crisis-Ready Resources
Secretary Cacdac made the appeal during the House budget hearing on Wednesday. He stressed that holding a budget sized only for routine needs is no longer sufficient. The department must be prepared to assist OFWs and their families in at least seven countries where tensions could flare without warning.
The proposed budget far exceeds the NEP figure by ₱26.058 billion. Cacdac explained that when crises erupt, the DMW must move quickly, and having funds already in hand saves precious time. The agency cannot wait for supplemental approvals when workers are stranded and families are anxious.
Repatriation Fund Under Pressure
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan revealed that the Emergency Repatriation Fund (ERF) has been consistently placed at ₱1.2 billion for three years running. However, the 2027 NEP slashed ₱300 million from that amount. Caunan noted that some years the fund goes unused, which she welcomes as a sign of peace.
But this year told a different story. Caunan disclosed that OWWA has already utilized ₱1.7 billion for repatriating Filipinos affected by the US‑Iran conflict, on top of an additional ₱700 million supplemental budget. The agency is now running on its supplemental allocation, highlighting the need for a larger built‑in buffer.
The Backbone of the Economy
Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, underscored the vital role of OFWs in the national economy. In 2025, remittances reached a record $35.63 billion, up three percent from the previous year. These remittances account for nearly eight percent of the country's GDP.
Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Irene Labadlabad called migrant workers the pillars of the economy. She noted that the proposed budget would support 42 Migrant Workers Offices worldwide, regional operations, the OFW Hospital, and reintegration programs. The investment is framed not as an expense but as protection for the nation's modern-day heroes.
Action Fund and Frontline Services
The 2027 budget includes a ₱2-billion action fund covering legal, medical, repatriation, and other assistance. A separate ₱978-million repatriation emergency fund targets workers affected by conflicts, pandemics, and calamities. These funds form the front line of defense when OFWs face danger abroad.
AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla, chair of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, emphasized that DMW and OWWA must have capacity before crises strike. The continuing Middle East conflict has already tested the system, with thousands repatriated and significant demands placed on both agencies.
Commitment Beyond Numbers
Cacdac thanked lawmakers for their continued support and assured them of the department's unwavering commitment. He acknowledged that further requests would emerge during discussions, but expressed confidence in the shared goal of serving Filipinos abroad. The hearing set the stage for continued negotiations on the final budget allocation.
The outcome of these deliberations will determine how swiftly the government can respond when the next crisis calls. For millions of OFWs and their families, the budget is more than figures—it is a promise that help will be there when they need it most.
