Establishing Social Welfare Attache for OFWs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mandated to deploy Social Welfare Attachés in countries with large concentrations of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Deployment locations are determined through coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Social Welfare Attachés must meet the minimum qualifications set by the Civil Service Commission and preferred qualifications prescribed by the DSWD.

Managing cases of OFWs and overseas Filipinos in distress requiring psychosocial services, including victims of trafficking, illegal recruitment, rape, sexual abuse, maltreatment, and abandoned children.
Conducting surveys and preparing official social welfare situation reports regarding OFWs in their area of assignment.
Establishing networks with overseas social welfare agencies, individuals, and groups to assist in the provision of social services.
Responding to and monitoring the resolution of problems, complaints, or queries from OFWs and their families.
Creating and maintaining a data bank and documentation system for OFWs and their families to improve the delivery of social welfare services.
Submitting regular reports to the DSWD and DFA headquarters on plans, activities, recommendations, and updates, which contribute to the mandatory semi-annual Congressional reports.
Providing information about DSWD and its attached agencies and services.
Performing other related social service functions as directed by the head of the diplomatic post.

The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development shall integrate implementation of this Act into the DSWD's programs.
Funding for the Act’s implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

The DSWD shall formulate necessary rules and regulations for effective implementation within 60 days from the Act’s effectivity.
Consultations will include DFA, DOLE, Department of Health, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and other relevant stakeholders.
The DSWD will set criteria for selecting diplomatic posts for deployment of Social Welfare Attachés and their minimum qualifications and attributes.

Separability Clause: If any section or provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in force.
Repealing Clause: Any laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.

The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.