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Advocates Philippines
New OWWA Chief Brings Passion And Purpose: Caunan Steps In To Champion OFWs
Photo credit: DMW
In a heartfelt move that promises renewed energy for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), replacing Arnell Ignacio.
Caunan, who previously served as Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), officially took her oath of office on May 16, 2025, before DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
With evident gratitude, Caunan said,
“Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa tiwala at kumpiyansang ibinigay sa akin ng ating Pangulo, at siyempre, sa inyong patuloy na paggabay… Ang puso ninyo ay nasa bawat manggagawang Pilipino sa ibang bansa.”
And really, her track record speaks for itself. Since 2022, she’s been a key force behind 15 bilateral labor agreements with countries like Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Finland — each one crafted to give stronger protection and better opportunities to OFWs across the globe.
“She has been a trailblazer,” Secretary Cacdac emphasized. “The frontier she has opened for bilateral and international cooperation has been amazing. She has the legal know-how, the heart, the common sense, and the common touch.”
A seasoned lawyer and tireless advocate, Caunan’s leadership style is both strategic and deeply empathetic. Known for rolling up her sleeves and working closely with OFWs and their families, she brings not just experience, but compassion and grit to the role.
Looking ahead, Caunan is determined to make OWWA even more responsive and inclusive, saying,
“Alam kong napakarami pa nating kailangang gawin. Naniniwala ako na kailangan natin ng isang OWWA, isang DMW, at isang gobyerno para sa OFW.”
With her at the helm, the future of OWWA—and the millions of Filipino workers it serves—looks hopeful, empowered, and well represented.
Caunan, who previously served as Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), officially took her oath of office on May 16, 2025, before DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
With evident gratitude, Caunan said,
“Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa tiwala at kumpiyansang ibinigay sa akin ng ating Pangulo, at siyempre, sa inyong patuloy na paggabay… Ang puso ninyo ay nasa bawat manggagawang Pilipino sa ibang bansa.”
And really, her track record speaks for itself. Since 2022, she’s been a key force behind 15 bilateral labor agreements with countries like Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Finland — each one crafted to give stronger protection and better opportunities to OFWs across the globe.
“She has been a trailblazer,” Secretary Cacdac emphasized. “The frontier she has opened for bilateral and international cooperation has been amazing. She has the legal know-how, the heart, the common sense, and the common touch.”
A seasoned lawyer and tireless advocate, Caunan’s leadership style is both strategic and deeply empathetic. Known for rolling up her sleeves and working closely with OFWs and their families, she brings not just experience, but compassion and grit to the role.
Looking ahead, Caunan is determined to make OWWA even more responsive and inclusive, saying,
“Alam kong napakarami pa nating kailangang gawin. Naniniwala ako na kailangan natin ng isang OWWA, isang DMW, at isang gobyerno para sa OFW.”
With her at the helm, the future of OWWA—and the millions of Filipino workers it serves—looks hopeful, empowered, and well represented.
May 16, 2025
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