Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito called on the government to strengthen protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by improving temporary shelters abroad and expanding mental health services. 

As the Senate deliberates the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) budget, Ejercito emphasized that all temporary shelters for distressed OFWs should meet humane and dignified standards, particularly in countries hosting large numbers of workers. 

He cited personal observations of well-maintained shelters in Singapore and South Korea but stressed the need to “level up” facilities in other locations.

“Kung kinakailangan tulungan ‘yung iba pang mga areas na hindi kasing ayos na host ay magsabi na po, and then we will support. (If other areas that are not as well-equipped need help, just let us know, and we will support it),” Ejercito said. 

“Nakita ko naman po personally, with my own eyes, na may maaayos naman at magaganda yung mga temporary shelters katulad ng Singapore and Korea. Pero sana ma-level up pa natin ‘yung iba (I have personally seen that there are already well-maintained and good temporary shelters, like those in Singapore and Korea. But hopefully, we can still level up the others),” he added. 

Ejercito, who defended the DMW’s inaugural budget in 2022, questioned whether the P870-million DMW allocation for refurbishment and construction of temporary shelters would sufficiently address the needs of OFWs. 

He assured that the Senate is prepared to increase funding to ensure safe and improved living conditions worldwide.

Ejercito also highlighted the urgent need for mental health support, pointing out that many OFWs experience isolation, emotional strain, and psychosocial distress while working abroad. 

While he welcomed assurances from the DMW that existing shelters provide psychosocial services through psychiatrists, social workers, and trained personnel, he urged that these services be extended to OFWs not staying in government-run facilities.

“Mas lalo pa para sa mga OFW na vulnerable, nag-iisa, at madalas nakakaramdam ng lungkot,” he said, underscoring the importance of broadening mental health access.

Ejercito reiterated that OFWs, who contribute significantly to the Philippine economy and support millions of families, deserve comprehensive state protection, including safe accommodations and accessible mental health care reflective of their sacrifices abroad.