QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 287)
EO 287 cites Sec. 19 of RA 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act), which requires establishing Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers in countries with large concentrations of Filipino migrant workers to provide counseling, legal, and welfare assistance and other services to OFWs.
EO 287 invokes Art. 21 of the Labor Code, which requires labor attaches and consular officials to protect Filipino workers against exploitation or discrimination, to verify/certify that employment contract terms comply with the Labor Code and the rules of OWWA.
EO 287 cites Sec. 16 of RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), which mandates DSWD to establish and implement rehabilitative and protective programs for trafficking victims.
EO 287 cites RA 8043 and related mandates that require the Secretary of DSWD to provide care, protection, and rehabilitation for the least privileged segment of society needing social welfare assistance and social work intervention to restore normal functioning and participation in community affairs.
EO 287 states that DSWD entered into an agreement with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the deployment of Social Welfare Attaches in Philippine foreign posts with large concentrations of OFWs.
They are selected based on countries with the highest concentration of OFWs, as determined in coordination with DFA, DOLE, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.
Examples include: (1) undertake surveys and prepare official social welfare situationers; (2) establish a network with overseas-based welfare agencies/individuals/groups; (3) respond to and monitor resolution of OFW complaints/queries; (4) establish and maintain data banking/documentation of OFWs and families; (5) submit regular reports to DSWD and DFA Home Office; (6) provide information about DSWD services; (7) perform other related functions as directed by the Head of the Diplomatic Post.
To allow appropriate social welfare services to be more effectively provided by maintaining information and enabling targeted intervention.
The Attache must submit regular reports to the DSWD and DFA Home Office on plans and activities, recommendations, and updates on OFW situations, especially those encountering difficulties in the host country.
EO 287 states that said report may form part of the Semi-Annual report to Congress under Sec. 33 of RA 8042.
The Social Welfare Attache must perform other related functions in the delivery of social services as may be directed by the Head of the Diplomatic Post in the area of assignment.
DSWD must: designate/assign qualified personnel; provide salary and overseas allowances/emoluments; provide training prior to deployment; exercise technical supervision in coordination with DFA/DOLE and other agencies; and tap/allocate funds for supervision of basic welfare services needed by OFWs.
DFA must facilitate accreditation of deployed DSWD personnel; assist in pre-deployment orientation/training; assist in facilitating deployment requisites; provide logistical support including adequate office space whenever feasible; and undertake administrative and operational supervision in coordination with DSWD and other relevant agencies.
DOLE must work with DSWD in providing skills training and other welfare services to OFWs to complement DSWD services, and assist in orientation training and immersion program for the Social Welfare Attache prior to deployment.
Heads of concerned agencies must include their responsibilities in their work programs, and the funding is to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
It takes effect immediately upon issuance.
To enhance welfare, counseling, legal/social services, protection, and monitoring of OFW concerns—especially those facing difficulties abroad—by ensuring coordinated support among DSWD, DFA, and DOLE and by strengthening welfare and related programs consistent with RA 8042, RA 9208, and labor-related protections.