Senator Villanueva renews call for AKSYON fund for emergency and legal assistance for OFWs

Senator Joel Villanueva paid tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as the country observed the 31st anniversary of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, highlighting their sacrifices and contributions to both their families and the national economy.

He also pointed to key developments in the implementation of the law, including the establishment of a Standard Employment Contract (SEC) for seafarers and migrant fishers.

“Isang taos pusong pagpupugay at pasasalamat sa ating mga kababayang OFWs sa kanilang di matatawarang sakripisyo para sa pamilya at ekonomiya ng bansa,” Villanueva said.

The senator said the landmark legislation laid the foundation for a stronger, rights-based protection system for Filipino migrant workers, which eventually led to the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

He stressed that the DMW, alongside the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), must continue ensuring the safety, protection, and welfare of Filipinos working abroad.

“The DMW, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, must continue to ensure that our OFWs are safe, protected, and well-served wherever they are in the world. This is the key mandate of the law,” said the former head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

As principal author of the DMW Act, Villanueva also renewed his push for the creation of the AKSYON Fund, intended to provide welfare, legal, and emergency assistance for OFWs in distress.

He has likewise called for sustained and expanded funding for OFW assistance programs to ensure immediate support for Filipinos overseas in difficult situations.

Villanueva also pledged continued congressional oversight to help prevent excessive fees and charges on OFW remittances.

He welcomed recent progress made by the DMW and OWWA, including improved repatriation efforts, expanded skills training programs, and the rollout of Standard Employment Contracts for Filipino seafarers and migrant fishers.

“Sa ating mga mangingisda at mandaragat sa ibayong dagat — hindi kayo nakakalimutan. Ang SEC ay proteksyon para sa inyong kagalingan at karapatan,” Villanueva said.

The senator reiterated his commitment to advancing policies that strengthen the dignity, welfare, and rights of Filipino migrant workers.

Among his priority measures is Senate Bill No. 1917, or the OFW Remittance Protection Act, which he principally sponsored and which passed on third reading in March 2026.

“We know that behind every remittance is a story of sacrifice and love for the family. We owe our OFWs not just gratitude, but stronger protection,” Villanueva said.

-Paraluman News