A B O U T   U S

The focal  point for the implementation of the foreign policy pillar on Assistance to Nationals [ATN].   Assistance to Nationals is the protection and promotion of the welfare and dignity of overseas Filipinos.  It is one of the highest  priority concerns of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Foreign Service Posts. 

The  mandate of OLAMWA is  provided by Republic Act 8042 or  the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. RA 8042 became the government’s response to the Flor Contemplacion Case.

OLAMWA works in coordination with various sectors ---elected officials, other government agencies, OFWs and their families, mass media,  private organizations, international organizations,  NGOs and religious groups --- to deliver timely assistance to Filipino nationals.

The mandate of RA 8042 is further buttressed by  specific chapters and sections in the 1995 Rules and Regulations of the Department of Foreign Affairs:
  • Chapter XIII
  • Chapter XIV
  • Chapter XV
  • Part J of Chapter XVI
Services to Overseas Filipinos
Seamen
Vessels
Assistance to Nationals