A better and more responsive approach to assisting Overseas Filipino Workers in times of distress, is the promise of the One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC). This is an office launched by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) with a primary role in the government’s approach to managing OFWs who need assistance. The center will also assist OFWs in their return and provide other support services.
Also Read: OFW Hospital: FREE for OFWs and OFW Dependents
The One-Repatriation Center is important because it offers a one-stop shop for all repatriation needs and immediate assistance. This means that instead of having to go to different government agencies, distressed OFWs and their loved ones can now go to the ORCC for help. This will save them time, money, and a lot of hassle.
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What is One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC)?
The One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC) is a unified office for all Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriation needs and welfare needs. The ORCC is staffed by representatives from various government agencies who will be able to provide assistance and services to OFWs.
Filipino migrant workers who need OFW help, or their immediate families or next of kin, can call the One Repat-DMW hotline “1348” and a team of welfare officers, case officers, and medical professionals will help them with their issues. The center also provides assistance by walk-in.
The One Repat-DMW will ensure that distressed OFWs are given prompt assistance and may return home to their families and loved ones.
How to Contact One Repatriation Command Center?
The One Repatriation Command Center can be reached through the hotline 1348 or via email at repat@dmw.gov.ph.
Centralized Command Center to Assist OFWs
The DMW’s command center is a central network that will aid, monitor, and record the repatriation of distressed OFWs in collaboration with relevant government agencies, enterprises, and concerned stakeholders. All requests, whether documented or undocumented, will be immediately acted on regardless of the OFWs’ condition.
The Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POEA) Administrator Bernard Olalia, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” V. Ople, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega, and OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac leads the One Repatriation Command Center’s launch on the second floor of the Blas F. Ople Building in Mandaluyong City on July 20th, 2022.
DMW Office Launches One Repatriation Center
Please check out the full Press Release statement below
DMW launches One Repatriation Command Center
July 20, 2022 – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has launched its One Repatriation Center (One Repat-DMW) to provide immediate response to repatriation, welfare, and other concerns of distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“The One Repat-DMW will help ensure that distressed OFWs are given immediate assistance and are able to come home to their families and loved ones,” DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” V. Ople said.
“In the past, OFWs and their loved ones had to knock on the doors of several government agencies to ask for help. It’s heartbreaking to see families from the provinces traveling all the way to Manila, incurring needless debts and expenses, and dealing with long periods of anxiety while waiting for the response from government agencies,” she added.
Ople said OFWs in distress, or their immediate families or next of kin, need only call the One Repat-DMW hotline “1-348” where a team of case officers, welfare officers, and medical professionals will assist them with their concerns. The center also allows walk-in requests for assistance.
“Ngayon po, ang DMW ang magta-trabaho para matulungan ang ating mga OFW at kung kailangan, maibalik sila sa bansa upang makasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Ople said.
The DMW Secretary said the Center will work closely with the DFA, particularly in areas where there are no labor offices.
“Sa mga bansa kung saan wala tayong mga labor attache, makikipag-ugnayan at makikipagtulungan ang DMW sa DFA,” Ople said.
The One Repat-DMW Center is located at the second floor of the Blas F. Ople Building, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue. It operates on a 24/7 basis with case and welfare officers working three (3) shifts daily. The center can accommodate calls and walk-ins on regular workdays. Requests can be made through the 1-348 hotline on weekends. The Center also maintains a satellite office at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Pasay City.
Ople said the Center is equipped with computers and telephone lines with NDD/IDD capability connecting DMW offices here and abroad.
Ople said in cases where the OFW is unable to call the 1-348 hotline directly, his or her immediate family or next of kin can call the hotline and provide the attending case officers with pertinent details for his or her case,
Pictures of One Repatriation Command Center office
In a recent post shared on the official Department of Migrant Workers Facebook Page, they shared pictures of the One Repatriation Command Center office which highlights the facilities and center that will help OFWs abroad and experiencing crisis. Check out the posts below:
Video: Launching of the ORCC
Here’s the video by DMW office which is a Live video during the opening of this One Repatriation office:
Check out this video clip uploaded on the official Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Facebook Page which features the launch of the ORCC office:
Summary
Instead of going to separate government agencies in the Philippines, they will now be able to go to the One Repatriation Center for assistance. The DMW will also collaborate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to assist OFWs in foreign nations where there are no labor offices.
ORCC Contact Information
One Repatriation Command Center Address: 2nd Floor Blas F. Ople Building, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue Telephone Number: 1348 (24/7 Hotline) DMW ORCC Help Desk open Mondays to Fridays – 8am to 5pm Email: repat@dmw.gov.ph