Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito on Thursday called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to expand mental health services and improve temporary shelters for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), citing increasing reports of emotional and psychosocial strain among migrant workers.
He stressed the need for humane and dignified living conditions in all shelter facilities, particularly in areas with high numbers of distressed OFWs.
“Kung kinakailangan tulungan iyong iba pang mga areas na hindi kasing ayos na host ay magsabi na po, and then we will support,” Ejercito said.
While noting good shelters in Singapore and Korea, he added, “Pero sana ma-level up pa natin iyong iba.”
Ejercito also questioned whether the ₱870 million budget for refurbishing and constructing shelters is sufficient, assuring the Senate’s readiness to augment funding.
“Dadagdagan natin ang pondo para sa temporary shelters dahil gusto natin siguruhin na maganda ang kanilang kondisyon… So kinakailangan lang po ay magsabi na po, and then we will support whatever your recommendation,” he said.
He welcomed the DMW’s confirmation that existing shelters already provide psychosocial support through psychiatrists, social workers, and trained staff. Still, the senator urged the agency to extend mental health initiatives beyond its facilities.
“Talagang malaking concern ang mental health ngayon… lalo na para sa mga OFW na vulnerable, nag-iisa, at madalas nakakaramdam ng lungkot,” he said.
“Sana lang po… kahit ’yung mga wala sa temporary shelters ay mabigyan din ng access sa mental health interventions.”
Ejercito emphasized that OFWs—who drive the economy and sustain millions of families—deserve comprehensive state protection through safe accommodations and accessible mental health care that reflect their sacrifices abroad.