NEARLY 600 families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in distress have received assistance from Davao City’s OFW Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center (OFWCC) since its establishment in May 2022, according to center coordinator Rosevic Joey Jayme.
The OFWCC, a project initiated by the Davao City government, serves as the primary referral hub for social protection services dedicated to OFWs and their families. As of April 2025, the center has assisted 596 clients, including both documented and undocumented OFWs, as well as their children and dependents.
In a recent interview on Madayaw Davao, Jayme shared that it’s often the OFWs themselves—while working abroad—who reach out to the center for help. The OFWCC provides psychosocial support, financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, and livelihood assistance to returning OFWs and families hoping to start small businesses. These services are aimed at helping families become more self-reliant and reduce dependence on remittances.
One of the center’s flagship programs is the annual Children’s Congress, which gives OFW children—especially those left behind—a platform to voice their concerns. The event helps ensure these children receive the necessary support at the barangay level.
In addition, the OFWCC actively promotes awareness against human trafficking and regularly holds Pre-Migration Orientation (PMO) sessions. Jayme explained that these sessions help prepare OFWs and their families by setting realistic expectations about working abroad and informing them of available support systems. The goal is to help families make informed decisions and know where to seek help when challenges arise.
To further improve its services, the center is developing a localized database of OFWs in the city. Jayme said this will allow more accurate monitoring and enable the crafting of programs that respond to the specific needs of different communities. While national data often focuses on documented workers, the local database aims to include undocumented OFWs who are often excluded from support services.
Jayme said that not all OFWs are financially secure. Some face serious personal and family challenges, including relationship problems and gender-based violence. To address this, the center conducts advocacy and capacity-building activities at the community level that promote both emotional resilience and economic empowerment.
The OFWCC help desk is located on the ground floor of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Building on Magallanes Street, behind the City Hall Annex. For those living in remote areas, Jayme advised reaching out to their barangay social workers or the nearest CSWDO district office for easier access to assistance. DEF
