DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) formally launched its One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC) on July 20, 2022 in Mandaluyong City.
DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople said this systematic centralized center is a single way approach to help distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to come home, be reunited with their family, and start a new life.
To avail themselves of assistance, OFWs can now reach out to only one agency thru DMW-ORCC 24/7 Hotline 1348 or email repat@dmw.gov.ph.
They can also send a direct message to DMW’s social media account whenever they are stranded, exploited, or when relatives want assistance in transporting back to the country the body of their deceased loved ones who were working abroad.
Instead of travelling from the province all the way to Manila, families of OFWs may track and follow-up for any updates about their loved ones through DMW.
“Families of OFWs will be able to walk in and provide information as to the whereabouts, as to the welfare problems confronting their loved ones,” Ople said, adding she witnessed how OFWs and their families struggle to get help from the government agencies when it comes to repatriation.
According to a report, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have received a combined 18,890 repatriation requests from 2021 to 2022. The top reasons for repatriation include: Being locked up by their employers; Contract violation; Finished contract; Maltreatment (physical, psychological, verbal abuse); and Medical condition, among others.
DMW’s One Repatriation Command Center is located at the 2nd level of the Blas F. Ople Building along EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City./PN
