Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) marked National Heroes Day on August 31 by releasing AKSYON Fund financial assistance to 92 distressed overseas Filipino workers. The turnover happened during “Parangal sa Bagong Bayani ng Mundo,” a Tahanan ng OFW gathering filled with kumustahan, harana, dancing, and the actual handover of aid to workers going through tough times.
According to the DMW, the distribution follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive under the UPLIFT initiative, which aims to strengthen support for OFWs and their families, especially those facing crisis, emergency, or distress situations.
Who Received the Aid
The assistance went to workers dealing with real hardship, and the payouts were split based on need:
- 86 distressed OFWs received ₱50,000 each
- 6 OFWs received ₱75,000 each for medical assistance
Together, that’s over ₱5.1 million released in a single day to workers who needed a hand.
Where the Beneficiaries Came From
Most of this batch came from areas near the capital:
- 72 beneficiaries from the National Capital Region (NCR)
- 20 beneficiaries from Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
A Tribute to “Living Heroes”
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac used the occasion to honor OFWs as part of the nation’s roster of heroes. He reminded everyone that recognizing the country’s heroes also means paying respect to migrant workers and the families they support back home.
“Dahil narito sa ating harapan ang ating mga buhay na bayani,” Cacdac said, pointing to the OFWs present as living examples of sacrifice and courage.
Bigger Fund for 2026
There’s good news for workers who may need help down the line. Cacdac shared that President Marcos Jr. added ₱3.0 billion to the AKSYON Fund for 2026. That brings the total to ₱5 billion, giving the agency more room to respond when OFWs hit a crisis or emergency abroad.
How to Apply
If you’re an OFW facing a distress or crisis situation, you may qualify for AKSYON Fund support. Here’s what to do:
- Visit or contact the DMW Central Office
- Reach out to the nearest DMW Regional Office
- Coordinate with your closest Migrant Workers Office (MWO)
You can find complete contact details at https://dmw.gov.ph/contact-us. Reaching out early gives you the best shot at getting help when you need it most.