The Department of Migrant Workers on Saturday thanked the Senate for the approval of their first-ever budget as a newly-created executive department worth P16.94 billion for next year.

In a statement, the agency said that the budget is intended for the creation of regional DMW offices, Overseas Employment Adjudication Offices in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CaLaBaRZon, Central Visayas and Davao Region, and expansion of the now-Migrant Workers Offices in areas across the globe.

The budget will also aid in the improvement of DMW's capacity in information and communications technology, and maintenance of equipment and other assets of their central and regional offices, as well as of the National Maritime Polytechnic.

Additional funding was also given to the DMW, with P500 million for the hiring of 229 staff positions, acquisition of new equipment, and operational costs of the OFW Hospital in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, as well as P100 Million for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

"We thank the Senate for recognizing the need to augment and approve the DMW's 2023 budget. We commit to full transparency, accountability and judicious use of public funds, Ople said.

DMW's budget was approved past midnight on Friday during the marathon budget approval session of the Senate, with Ople, DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdan and OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio in attendance.