The Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas (DMW-7) shut down on Friday a Language and Development Center in Barangay Pajo in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, involved in illegal recruitment and placement activities without the necessary license or authority.

Aseanway Learning and Development Center-Cebu, while appearing as a language learning center, enticed students by referring them to their so-called partner licensed recruitment agencies in Metro Manila after passing the necessary examinations, particularly the Japanese Language Profile Test and the Skilled Worker Test.

The said agencies are reportedly hiring workers for various jobs in Japan, including farmers, factory workers, welders, hotel staff, and fruit pickers, with a salary ranging from P50,000 to P70,000.

“The Aseanway Learning and Development Center-Cebu, along with two more branches located in Calumpit and Malolos, Bulacan, was subjected to a surveillance by the Operations and Surveillance Division of the DMW Central Office. The Aseanway Learning and Development Center-Cebu, especially was closely monitored through its social media account,” said DMW-7 RO-VII OIC-RD Maria Eloida O. Cantona.

On 16 May 2025, DMW simultaneously closed down three (3) illegal recruiters: Aseanway Learning and Development Center located in Calumpit, Bulacan; Iwa Language Learning Center located in Malolos, Bulacan; and Aseanway Learning and Development Center-Cebu located in Lapu-Lapu City.

Director Eric D. Dollete of the Operations and Surveillance Division (OSD) of DMW Central Office cautioned the public about illegal recruitment which does not only involve hiring but also covers canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, procuring workers including referring, promising or advertising for employment abroad whether for profit or not, when undertaken by a non-licensee or non-holder of authority.

Allegedly, Aseanway Learning and Development Center-Cebu, students were asked to pay P15,888 for a 150-hour language training.

Mary, not her real name, revealed that for the first 30 hours of their training, they were already asked to pay the whole amount leaving her and the rest of her fellow trainees wondering why.

“I would have been an airplane mechanic in Japan. My worry now is my training certificate and, of course , the money I spent for the training,” she said during the closure of the establishment which took place on Friday morning.

DMW has recommended the cancellation of the business permit of Aseanway Learning and Development Center-Cebu.

OIC-RD Cantona and Director Dollete led the DMW RO-VII Team and the Operations and Surveillance Team in shutting down the establishment, in close coordination with the LGU of Lapu-Lapu City and the Philippine National Police.