House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday welcomed a set of reforms launched by the Department of Migrant Workers for overseas Filipino domestic helpers, hailing them as clear proof of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to protect their rights and dignity.
Romualdez commended the improved policies, noting that they will not only allow Filipino household service workers to better support their families, but also elevate the dignity of their work in the global labor force.
“Like other overseas Filipino workers toiling in far-away lands, Filipino domestic workers perform work of equal value that deserves fair compensation. These reforms are not only to ensure that they can send more to their families back home, but to promote the dignity of work as members of the labor force,” he said.
The DMW cited the measures included raising the monthly minimum wage of Filipino domestic helpers from $400 to $500, which will take effect 60 days after the issuance of the appropriate directive and be reflected in all employment contracts processed by the DMW.
Additional safeguards announced by the DMW included annual DMW-funded medical check-ups for domestic workers, a mandatory “know your employer” video call before contract signing, and a digital monitoring system dubbed “Kamusta Kabayan” to allow proactive welfare checks.
Stricter housing standards for recruitment agencies and an enhanced whitelisting policy will likewise be enforced to ensure only compliant and ethical agencies are allowed to deploy domestic helpers abroad.
“These measures reflect our government’s genuine compassion for our OFWs and will help ensure that they are treated in a just, humane, and dignified manner by their employers,” Romualdez said.
The House leader underscored that such reforms, backed by budgetary support under the Marcos administration, demonstrated the Chief Executive’s clear priority for the welfare of OFWs.
For 2026, a P10.2-billion budget has been proposed for the DMW, including P1.2 billion for the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan Fund and P1.3 billion for the Emergency Repatriation Program.
On the other hand, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is set to receive P3.45 billion, of which P2.42 billion is earmarked for social protection and welfare programs for OFWs and their families.
“We in the House of Representatives will see to it that programs that will support and benefit OFWs and their families receive adequate budgetary support under the administration of President Marcos, who has consistently shown his genuine care and compassion for our OFWs. This is our commitment as public servants under Bagong Pilipinas,” Romualdez said.
He assured Filipino migrant workers that the government remains their steady partner in defending their rights and building their aspirations.
“Nothing can surpass the talent and bravery of Filipino workers whether here or abroad. As public servants, we in the government are partners with our OFWs in the development of our beloved Philippines and in building their dreams for their families,” he stressed.
“This is how we should value and honor our New Heroes: by serving faithfully, caringly and promoting their welfare and dignity,” Romualdez said.
