Kalinga PLGU inks MOA with Department of Migrant Workers, and partner agencies to boost support for iKalinga OFWs

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A major step was taken on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to ensure that hopes of Overseas Filipino Workers in Kalinga are reinforced with stronger government support.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) carry not only passports and plane tickets but also the hopes of their families, who rely on remittances to pay for school fees, medicines, and daily needs.

Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province, led by the Provincial Local Government Unit, formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to enhance support for iKalinga OFWs.

The MOA signing was led by DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, together with DMW-CAR OIC Regional Director Cheryl Daytec, Governor James Edduba, local chief executives, and heads and representatives of partner agencies.

The agreement aims to ensure that iKalingas who leave home in search of better opportunities abroad have a reliable support system—from pre-departure guidance to reintegration upon their return.

Based on information gathered by GURU Press Cordillera during the activity, the initiative seeks to strengthen information campaigns, intensify the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking, and expand reintegration and livelihood programs for Kalinga OFWs and their families.

In his message, Governor James S. Edduba expressed deep gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers and other national line agencies for partnering with the province to enhance programs for the welfare of OFWs—not only from Kalinga but across the entire country.

The Governor underscored that bringing services closer to the province’s “modern-day heroes” fuels both household stability and local development.

Meanwhile, DMW Undersecretary Olalia assured the Governor and the mayors of the seven municipalities and lone city of the province that no Kalinga OFW will be left behind.

“We are here today because we need your assistance. Nu anya man ti masapol yo, our CAR Regional Office will be here to provide all the right information for our Overseas Filipino Workers,” Olalia said.