DMW, WiSAP ink pact to safeguard OFW women, families online

By TechWatch PH

Women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), their children, and families are set to receive stronger protection against online scams and exploitation through a partnership between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Women in Security Alliance Philippines (WiSAP).

IN PHOTO (from left to right): DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau Director IV Geraldine C. Mendez; DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome A. Alcantara; WiSAP President and Chairwoman Mel Migriño; WiSAP Trustee and Executive Director of Technical Committee. (Photo courtesy of DMW)

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed in time for the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking, aims to safeguard women OFWs from cyber scams and human trafficking.

The initiative supports President Ferdinand. Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitalize government services while bolstering cyber defenses for migrant workers.

Under the agreement, DMW and WiSAP will collaborate on cybersecurity knowledge-sharing, public information campaigns, training programs, capacity building, and empowering women OFWs through WiSAP membership.

WiSAP is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women to lead and contribute in the field of cybersecurity.

DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome A. Alcantara stressed the importance of vigilance as the government accelerates its digital transformation.

“The trend in government right now is digitalization, we are migrating a lot of our systems and processes online. And while it poses a lot of benefits, it also poses serious threats in cyber safety and security. It will be irresponsible to not look at potential threats and not be prepared to deal with that,” Alcantara said.  to

He noted that the partnership addresses the intersection of global forces—digitalization, migration, and security—and aligns with both agencies’ programs.

WiSAP President Mel Migriño reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the cause.

“We also wanted to collaborate with the DMW on strengthening their cybersecurity policies and practices and to provide guidance on how they can build a roadmap towards cyber resilience. Also, we are one with the DMW in their fight against human trafficking,” said Migriño.