MAKATI CITY — Overseas Filipino workers and their families often face difficulties when accessing government services, but a new partnership between the Makati City government and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) aims to make the process faster and more convenient. Last May 20, 2026, Mayor Nancy Binay and OWWA Administrator PY Caunan officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing an OWWA Help Desk in Makati City. The help desk will function as a one-stop referral system that simplifies access to OWWA programs and services, particularly reintegration support for returning OFWs. OWWA Regional Welfare Office NCR Director Ma. Teresa Capa also signed the agreement, showing support from both the agency’s national and regional offices.
A Shared Commitment to OFW Welfare
Through the agreement, OWWA will hold regular coordination meetings and orientation sessions for designated Help Desk officers and local government personnel to ensure they remain informed about the agency’s latest programs and services. The agency will also provide information materials and additional support services for OFWs and their dependents. Meanwhile, the Makati City government will provide office space and assign personnel to keep the help desk operational on a continuous basis. “Patuloy ang OWWA sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang mas mailapit ang ‘Serbisyong May Puso’ para sa ating mga OFWs,” the agency stated. The initiative seeks to lessen the challenges OFWs and their families encounter when applying for welfare assistance, making government support more accessible, efficient, and less overwhelming.
A Model for Stronger Local Governance
The signing ceremony at Makati City Hall was attended by officials from OWWA Central and OWWA NCR, along with representatives from the Makati Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the city legal office, and members of the city council. Officials said the partnership highlights the value of stronger coordination between national agencies and local government units in providing timely assistance to migrant workers. The Makati-OWWA collaboration aims to streamline services, strengthen welfare programs, and improve access to support systems for OFWs and their families. The partnership is also seen as a possible model for other local government units looking to integrate welfare services directly into their communities, showing how compassionate public service and effective governance can work together.
