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| Hanley and Cacdac (1st and 2nd from left) at signing of MOU |
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) as part of its continuing effort to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families from online scams and digital fraud.
The agreement was signed in Bonifacio Global City
earlier today, Feb. 19, by DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac and GASA Director for Asia Pacific
Brian Hanley.
Through this initiative both parties aim to
strengthen digital safety initiatives, improve cross-border intelligence
sharing, and expand access to tools and resources that will assist migrant
workers in detecting and avoiding fraudulent schemes.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
OFWs are often targeted by scammers, given their
vulnerability due to long hours of work, preventing easy access to reliable
information; and their improved financial capacity.
In Hong Kong, for example, OFWs are often preyed
upon by money launderers who offer them cash tokens in exchange for
surrendering control over their bank accounts, which are then used as conduits
for money derived from crimes.
Cacdac said the partnership is not merely a campaign
for awareness.
“We entered this agreement not only to campaign
against scams, but to address the underlying causes - whether it's a lack of
jobs or opportunities — and to respond with real solutions. By boosting our
information efforts and connecting victims to employment options, we aim to
take both preventive and corrective measures,” he said. |
For his part, Hanley stressed the importance of collective
action to combat a global menace.
“This is the time for the public sector and private
entities to come together, because scams are no longer just a government concern
— they are now recognized as a global concern and as a cybercrime,” he said.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The partnership will cover expanded public awareness
campaigns, digital literacy programs, joint training sessions, and research
initiatives aimed at equipping OFWs and their families with the knowledge and
tools to recognize and avoid scams.
It is hoped that the collaboration will enhance the
Philippines’ role in the global effort against cybercrimes.
GASA is a global coalition dedicated to protecting
consumers worldwide. It consists of leading technology and financial
institutions, including Globe Telecom, Gogolook, Meta, Google, and Mastercard.
