By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos and Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Friday, May 16.
Caunan replaced Arnell Ignacio, who was the OWWA chief from 2022. She took her oath of office before DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, according to the PCO’s news release.
Prior to her appointment as OWWA administrator, Caunan served as DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation.
As the DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation since 2022, Caunan helped negotiate and facilitate the signing of 15 bilateral labor migration agreements.
Each agreement is aimed at strengthening the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in partner countries, including Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait.
Caunan is also a seasoned lawyer with expertise in labor, civil, administrative and criminal law. She has also advocated for migrant workers’ rights, extending free legal assistance and counsel through various forms.
The newly appointed OWWA chief expressed gratitude for the trust given to her by the President.
“Napakapalad ko po dahil ang dalawang naging boss ko sa pamahalaan ay tunay na may integridad at malasakit sa mga OFW,” she said in a news release, referring to former Secretary Susan Ople and current DMW chief Hans Leo Cacdac.
“Ako mismo ay naging saksi sa inyong pamumuno sa POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) at OWWA, ang puso ninyo ay nasa bawat manggagawang Pilipino sa ibang bansa,” she added, in reference to Cacdac.
The Migrant Workers czar referred to Caunan as a trailblazer, opening frontiers for bilateral and international cooperation with various countries.
“She has the legal know-how, the heart, the common sense, and the common touch, which is the most important,” Cacdac said.
The OWWA, an attached agency of the DMW, is responsible for the development and implementation of welfare programs and services that respond to the needs of the overseas Filipino workers and their families. (PNA)
