TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (Dec. 18, 2025) – In a significant move to enhance services for migrant workers and their families, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officially launched its Tarlac Provincial Office on December 17, marking a historic step toward localized and accessible support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The inauguration was held at the IT Training Center Building in Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City, and was attended by key national and local officials, including Governor Christian Yap, Vice Governor Estelita “Lita” Aquino, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara, OWWA Central Luzon Regional Director Redina C. Manlapaz, and DMW Region III Director Atty. Marion Sevilla.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also signed between the DMW Regional Office and the Provincial Government of Tarlac, solidifying their partnership to deliver programs focused on protection, benefits, and reintegration for OFWs.
In her address, Vice-Governor Aquino marked the significance of the day, stating, “Sa araw na ito ay isang makasaysayang sandali para sa ating lalawigan, sa paglulunsad at pormal na pagbubukas ng Provincial Office ng Department of Migrant Workers, kasabay ng paglagda ng memorandum agreement sa pagitan ng DMW Region 3 at ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Tarlac.”
Governor Yap, in his speech, emphasized the office’s role in facilitating employment and the government’s duty to support OFW families. He expressed, “Tamang-tama na yung mga naga-apply ay mabilis ng makahanap nang mas magandang trabaho abroad… Salamat sa ating mga OFWs, kayo ang mga bagong bayani natin. Kaya sa gobyerno ang gusto naming magawa ay mabigyan naming nang magandang edukasyon at magandang programa sa kalusugan ang mga pamilya at anak ninyo.”
The Governor added that the establishment of the DMW office in our province is an important step in bringing the government’s programs and services closer to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families from protection and benefits to reintegration programs.
As part of the launch, the DMW awarded ₱230,000 in livelihood assistance under the Livelihood Program for OFWs Reintegration (LPOR), benefiting 23 returning migrant workers. Gift packs were also distributed to attendees.
The event was supported by local Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers, led by Provincial PESO Manager Maria Lira Reyes, along with OFW representatives.
The DMW-Tarlac office is expected to streamline processes for employment abroad, provide legal and welfare assistance, and support reintegration programs for returning OFWs. The provincial government reaffirmed its continued collaboration with national agencies to safeguard the welfare of migrant workers and their loved ones.
