OWWA: Taiwan OFW shelter not under its control

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Wednesday clarified that it does not operate or manage overseas shelters, including the Philippine government’s 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 sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, a former undersecretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), said the funding, staffing, and operation of shelters abroad fall under the DMW and are implemented through its Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), as mandated by law.

“The budget for the operation of ‘shelters’ or 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 added that the establishment, operation, and management of such shelters are covered by Republic Act No. 11641 and RA 10022, which define the DMW’s authority over overseas migrant protection facilities.

Caunan’s clarification comes after migrant advocates in Taiwan raised concerns 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 a previous interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE, Maryknoll missionary priest Fr. Joy Tajonera of Bahay Ugnayan said the government-run shelter in Taipei is “not fully operational,” accommodating only one to three people, while NGOs shoulder most of the burden.

OWWA, however, said its role overseas is 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, the MWO, and partners on the ground,” Caunan said.

She said OWWA continues to coordinate with the MWO in Taiwan and local non-government organizations to ensure immediate assistance for distressed OFWs, while shelter operations and funding concerns are addressed by the DMW as the lead agency.

Asked for 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 stressed that OWWA’s priority remains ensuring timely assistance to its members and maintaining close coordination with the DMW so planned improvements translate into concrete support.

As of press time, the DAILY TRIBUNE is still awaiting an official response from the DMW regarding the operational status of the Taiwan shelter and the utilization of its allocated budget.