Manila, Sept. 5 -- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) underscored progress in enhancing the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as it awarded calamity assistance fund under the Quick AKSYON Fund in Bulacan on Thursday.

In a news release on Friday, the DMW said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac presented the agency's accomplishments, including its achievements in curbing illegal recruitment, extending legal and financial aid to distressed OFWs, and providing expanded welfare and health services to their families.

He said that through the leadership of Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, the number of illegal recruitment agencies shut down by the DMW has tripled this year, from six closed in 2023; 15 in 2024...