The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Wednesday clarified that it does not operate or manage overseas shelters, including the Migrant Workers Resource Center (MWRC) in Taiwan, amid criticism over the lack of a fully operational facility for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a statement to DAILY TRIBUNE, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the funding, staffing and operation of shelters abroad are the responsibility of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and are implemented through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO), as mandated by law. Caunan is a former undersecretary at the DMW.

“The budget for the temporary accommodations or MWRCs for distressed overseas Filipino workers abroad, including staffing and facilities, is lodged with the Department of Migrant Workers and implemented through its Migrant Workers Office,” Caunan said.

She said the establishment, operation and management of the shelters are covered by Republic Act 11641 and RA 10022, which define the DMW’s authority over overseas migrant protection facilities.

Caunan made the clarification after migrant advocates in Taiwan pointed out that despite an allocated budget, the Philippine government shelter in Taipei can accommodate only a handful of OFWs, forcing most distressed workers to rely on non-government organizations.

In an earlier interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Maryknoll missionary priest Fr. Joy Tajonera of Bahay Ugnayan said the government-run shelter in Taipei was “not fully operational,” accommodating only one to three people, while NGOs shouldered most of the burden.

The OWWA, however, said its role overseas was limited to welfare assistance, not shelter operations.

“OWWA does not operate or manage shelters overseas. Our role is to provide welfare assistance to active OWWA members and to extend support to distressed OFWs through financial assistance, psychosocial services, and referrals, in close coordination with the DMW, MWO, and partners on the ground,” Caunan said.

She said OWWA continues to coordinate with the MWO in Taiwan and local NGOs to provide assistance to distressed OFWs, while the DMW manages shelters and addresses funding concerns.

Asked to comment as a former undersecretary of the DMW, Caunan said she would defer to the department’s current leadership, including Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, on the specific situation in Taiwan.

“Based on my recent discussions with Secretary Hans, there are clear plans underway to improve facilities for our overseas Filipino workers, including shelters, as part of broader efforts to strengthen on-the-ground support and protection for distressed workers,” she said.

Caunan said OWWA’s priority remains ensuring timely assistance to its members and maintaining close coordination with the DMW so planned improvements translate to concrete support.

As of press time, DAILY TRIBUNE was awaiting a response from the DMW.