MARCH 5, 2026 – Posts have been circulating online about a PHP 150,000 financial assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). To make the posts appear legitimate, AI videos, “deepfakes,” and other methods were used.
Supposedly, the cash aid would be given to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are seeking repatriation amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. According to OWWA, all of these statements are false; the posts are just spreading misinformation.
OWWA Warns Against Fake News on P150 Cash Aid
In a Facebook post, OWWA has issued a warning against those who are spreading false information.
“Nakakalungkot makita na sa panahong nakatuon ang pamahalaan sa pagsiguro sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga OFW, may mga patuloy na nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon (It is saddening to see that during a time when the government is focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of our OFWs, there are those who continue to spread false information),” OWWA stated in the post.
Moreover, the Facebook post stated that OWWA and the DMW are always ready to provide legitimate support and services to OFWs, wherever they may be. It also clarified that even though there’s no PHP 150,000 cash aid being given, membership with OWWA entails true benefits for OFWs and their families, including the following:
- Financial assistance for OFWs who are in distress or need help;
- Livelihood and reintegration programs for OFWs who want to start over in the Philippines; and
- Training assistance, scholarships, and upskilling opportunities to broaden OFWs’ and dependents’ skills and career opportunities.
“Pinapaalalahanan namin ang lahat na maging mapanuri (We remind everyone to be vigilant),” stated OWWA’s post. “Huwag agad maniwala sa mga post o video na walang malinaw ng pinanggalingan (Do not be deceived by posts or videos with unclear or unverified sources).”
Watch this PTV news report about the false information being spread online regarding the PHP 150,000 cash aid for repatriated OFWs:
For accurate and official information, everyone is urged to follow the official websites and social media pages of OWWA and the DMW.
Likewise, to learn more about the different scholarship programs offered to OFWs and their dependents, check out these articles on the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), the Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP), and the Information Technology Training Program (ITTP).