The Senate of the Philippines on Monday, March 16, unanimously approved two measures aimed at safeguarding the earnings of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and strengthening their financial security.

During Session No. 56, senators passed on final reading Senate Bill No. 1910, or the “Free OFW Financial Education Act,” and Senate Bill No. 1917, the proposed “OFWs Remittance Protection Act.” The bills seek to ensure that the hard-earned income of migrant Filipino workers is better protected while helping them build financial stability.

The financial education measure, principally sponsored by Raffy Tulfo, aims to provide OFWs and their families with training on saving, investing, and managing money.

The program will be integrated into the government’s Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and other learning sessions to help workers prepare financially before and during their employment abroad.

Tulfo earlier emphasized that many OFWs return home after years of work overseas without sufficient savings, stressing that financial literacy can help them secure their future and avoid financial hardship. The measure covers both land-based and sea-based OFWs, including their families and dependents.

Meanwhile, the OFWs Remittance Protection Act aims to protect migrant workers from excessive money transfer fees and ensure transparency in remittance transactions. The bill proposes setting acceptable ranges for remittance charges and requiring remittance centers to clearly disclose exchange rates and the exact peso value of transferred funds.

Lawmakers said the two measures reflect the government’s continuing effort to support OFWs—often referred to as the country’s “modern-day heroes”—by protecting their earnings and encouraging financial preparedness while also promoting opportunities at home so Filipinos will not be forced to work abroad.