The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has launched a special program granting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) free medical and courier service fees when renewing their driver’s licenses abroad.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said on Wednesday that he has issued a memorandum establishing the initiative, which will be implemented through renewal caravans organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in countries where OFWs are currently based.

Lacanilao said the program is the administration’s way of recognizing the contribution of migrant workers to the national economy under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr..

“Ang ating mga OFW ay patuloy na nagsasakripisyo, malayo sa kanilang pamilya at mahal sa buhay, para sa ikabubuti ng bayan. Ang programang ito ay konkretong paraan ng pamahalaan upang ipakita na sila ay pinahahalagahan at hindi nakakalimutan, habang pinapadali ang proseso ng pagrerenew ng kanilang driver’s license,” Lacanilao explained.

He added that the initiative would ease both the time and financial burden on OFWs while working overseas. Under the program, OFWs no longer need to return to the Philippines to renew their driver’s licenses, as the LTO will be present at OWWA and DMW caravans abroad.

The free courier service, Lacanilao said, will be shouldered by the LTO, with renewed driver’s licenses delivered to OWWA or DMW offices overseas or to Philippine embassies.

Prior to the program, Lacanilao said OFWs typically spent around P6,000 for medical examinations and courier services when renewing their driver’s licenses.