Caunan named OWWA administrator
‘I know there’s still so much we need to do. I believe we need one OWWA, one DMW, and one government for OFWs.’
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Daily Tribune‘I know there’s still so much we need to do. I believe we need one OWWA, one DMW, and one government for OFWs.’
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Caunan
Patricia Yvonne Caunan, former undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), has been appointed as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). She officially took her oath before DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
Caunan succeeds Arnell Ignacio, a former television host who was appointed to the post in August 2022. No official statement has been issued regarding Ignacio’s departure.
“With her deep experience in international labor policy and her unwavering dedication to the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, Administrator Caunan brings both expertise and heart to her new role,” the DMW said in a statement.
Since 2022, Caunan has led efforts in negotiating around 15 bilateral labor agreements with countries such as Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait. These agreements were designed to enhance the protection and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
A lawyer by profession, Caunan previously headed a law firm specializing in labor, civil, administrative, and criminal law.
Acknowledging the vital role of OWWA in the lives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Caunan said:
“I know there’s still so much we need to do. I believe we need one OWWA, one DMW, and one government for OFWs.”
