KABAYAN PARTYLIST REP. RON SALO URGES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT AND INCREASE THE PROPOSED DMW 2025 BUDGET

KABAYAN PARTYLIST REP. RON SALO URGES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT AND INCREASE THE PROPOSED DMW 2025 BUDGET

During today’s budget hearing, Rep. Ron P. Salo of the KABAYAN Partylist expressed his strong and unequivocal support for the proposed P5.09 billion 2025 budget of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and its attached agencies, including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration with P3.41 billion.

“Hindi katulad sa budget hearing ng ibang departmento na mahabang listahan ng mga tanong ang mga dala-dalo ko, tanging manifestation of support ang sasabihin ko sa budget hearing ng DMW,” Salo said. (Unlike the budget hearings of other agencies of the government where I have a prepared long list of questions, I shall only state my manifestation of support for the DMW budget,” Salo said.)

Salo also took the opportunity to commend the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), stating, “I want to extend my appreciation to OWWA under the capable leadership of Administrator Arnell Ignacio. Their programs have been invaluable in ensuring that our OFWs are well-prepared before leaving for work abroad, assisting them in reintegrating once they return home, providing financial support for their repatriation, and ensuring that their dependents are properly supported.” 

Citing the need to further strengthen the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of overseas seafarers, Salo commended DMW’s initiatives to prepare for the implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. “Secretary Cacdac has assured us that preparations for the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are underway, in anticipation of the President's signing of this landmark legislation. This is a crucial step in strengthening the protections for our Filipino seafarers, one of the backbones of our migrant workforce,” Salo emphasized. 

Rep. Salo also commended DMW and OWWA for finally giving appropriate attention to our seafarers in the provision of services, including the opening of seafarer hubs or lounges.

While expressing full support for the P5.09 billion 2025 proposed budget for the DMW and P3.41 billion for the OWWA, Salo urged his fellow legislators to increase it to at least match the P6.35 billion 2024 allocation for DMW and P3.68 billion for OWWA. “With the expanding needs of our OFWs, we cannot afford to reduce the budget. I appeal to my colleagues to increase the allocation and ensure our modern-day heroes receive adequate support and resources,” he added.

The solon further noted the DMW’s steps to resume the deployment of workers to Kuwait, as well as opening six new Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) to expand services for OFWs.

“With these initiatives and the strong leadership of Secretary Cacdac, the DMW is on the right path in truly uplifting and protecting the lives of our modern-day heroes. I urge my fellow legislators to fully support and increase the DMW’s proposed budget, as it is an essential investment in the future of our OFWs, ensuring that they are provided the services, protection, and support they deserve,” Salo concluded.