Quezon City News

QC, Department of Migrant Workers team up for OFW welfare programs
The Quezon City government has intensified its efforts to support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families through a partnership with the newly established Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Under a Memorandum of Agreement signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte and DMW Secretary Maria Susana "Toots" Ople, the QC and DMW will work together to ensure the safety of OFWs and their families in the country and promote their rights.
In addition to ensuring their safety, the city government will provide them with services that they are entitled to, such as skills and livelihood programs, scholarships, and capital assistance. The partnership aims to strengthen the city's existing programs for OFWs and their families.
The city also launched the QC OFW Safe Migration and Reintegration for OFW Children Left Behind (SMARt Child) online portal. This portal will allow the registration of children left behind by QCitizen OFWs who have gone abroad to provide them with various interventions that cater to their needs.
Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, DMW Asec. Venecio Legaspi, QC Public Employment Service Office Manager Rogelio "Batoy" Reyes, Labour Attaché Marie Rose Escalada, officials from various labor groups and institutions, QCitizen OFWs, and their families witnessed the ceremony.
QC is the first local government unit (LGU) to partner with the DMW. In 2016, the city established the Migrant Resource Center under City Ordinance 2500-2016. The establishment of DMW aims to promote the welfare and protect the rights of OFWs and their families.