PBBM Orders DMW To Establish Migrant Workers Office In Cambodia To Protect OFWs

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will soon establish a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Cambodia, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his meeting with more than 500 members of the Filipino community in Phnom Penh on Sunday, 07 September 2025.

The new MWO will directly serve the estimated 10,000 Filipinos living and working in Cambodia by providing legal aid, welfare assistance, reintegration programs, and skills training opportunities.

“We shall immediately comply with the directive of the President to establish a Migrant Workers’ Office in Cambodia, through full coordination with DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro and Ambassador Flerida Mayo,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.

The establishment of MWO Cambodia comes amid rising concerns over scam hubs victimizing Filipino workers. This will complement the Philippine Embassy in addressing the concerns of overseas Filipinos.

Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille Mayo reported that cases of Filipinos being lured into scam hubs have more than doubled this year, with at least 24 victims rescued in August 2025 alone.

President Marcos likewise recognized the vital role of overseas Filipinos in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Cambodia, lauded contributions in schools, hospitals, businesses, and infrastructure projects.

DMW assured the welfare and uplifting the lives of overseas Filipinos in pursuit of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na Bagong Pilipinas.

Currently, the DMW has 42 Migrant Workers Offices worldwide and is working to establish more in countries with significant Filipino migrant populations.

DMW News Release