DMW Guarantees Continuous Support for OFWs During Holy Week Observances
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued a firm commitment to maintain essential services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) throughout the upcoming Holy Week break. In a public advisory released on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the department emphasized that both departing and arriving workers will continue to receive comprehensive assistance despite the holiday period.
Operational Repatriation and Airport Support Systems
The One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC) will remain fully operational to provide immediate and critical assistance to OFWs in need. This center serves as a vital lifeline for workers requiring urgent support during their travels. Additionally, DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) teams will be stationed on standby at airport terminals specifically to assist returning OFWs from the Middle East region.
For those preparing to depart, the Migrant Workers Airport Assistance Centers (MWAAC) located in all airport terminals will stay open throughout the Holy Week. These centers offer crucial pre-departure services, ensuring that departing workers have access to necessary guidance and support before their journeys abroad.
Strategic Office Closures for Employee Observance
While field operations continue, the DMW has announced that its central office in Mandaluyong City will be closed from April 2 to 3, 2026. This temporary closure is designed to provide government employees with the full opportunity to observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, important religious holidays in the predominantly Catholic Philippines.
The timing of these assurances is particularly significant as they come amid the ongoing mass repatriation of OFWs from the Middle East. This large-scale return of workers has created increased demand for support services, making the DMW's commitment to uninterrupted assistance during the Holy Week especially crucial for affected individuals and families.
The department's proactive approach demonstrates a balanced consideration for both employee welfare and continuous service delivery to the migrant worker community. By maintaining critical assistance channels while allowing appropriate observance of religious traditions, the DMW aims to support both its staff and the OFWs who depend on its services during this important period.
