Manila, Philippines March 16,2025- 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 took her oath of office on Friday before Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
Before her new role, Caunan served as Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation at the DMW from August 2022. In this capacity, she played a key role in negotiating and securing 15 bilateral labor migration agreements aimed at enhancing the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in host countries such as Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait.
Caunan brings with her a strong legal background, having previously led a prominent law firm specializing in labor, civil, administrative, and criminal law. A passionate advocate for OFW rights, she has provided free legal assistance and counsel to migrant workers throughout her career.
Her appointment signals the administration’s continued commitment to advancing the welfare of millions of OFWs around the world.
Source PNA
