By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On the heels of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to establish a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Cambodia during his engagement with the Filipino community on Sunday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said in a press release on Monday that it will soon establish an MWO in the country.
MWOs serve as the operations arm of DMW overseas, which facilitates the implementation of Philippine Labor policies and programs geared towards protecting and promoting the welfare and interests of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said, “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.”
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.
As of press time, DMW has 42 MWOs operating in countries with significant Filipino migrant populations. Once completed, the MWO Cambodia would become the 43rd overseas outlet of DMW that would ensure the safety, welfare, and security of OFWs.
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