Kumamoto, Japan – Atty. Manuel M. Dimaano, Labor Attaché and Head of MWO Osaka, and OIC -Welfare Officer Jonel Habon, visited the overseas Filipino workers in Yatsushiro-city, Kumamoto Prefecture, on 29 August 2026 for a welfare check and to determine the concerns and the assistance needed by the workers in the area after it was hit by a powerful earthquake on July 28, 2026.
Yatsushiro-city in Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, suffered widespread severe devastation to its infrastructure, buildings, and water systems following the powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
The Team visited the worksite of the OFWs in different areas in Yatsushiro one after another, through the assistance of their Kumiai and/or employers, and met personally with the OFWs thereat. They also checked their accommodation for comfortability and workplaces for safety, and ascertained their condition and situation. Likewise, relevant matters concerning their employment, welfare, working conditions, and rights were discussed with the workers and their concerned Kumiai and/or employers. It was also an opportune time for the team to promote the programs, services and project initiatives/activities of MWO Osaka for their information and participation. and determining potential labor demands of the company.
Requests for assistance were received from the workers concerning their medical or employment condition and were immediately acted upon by the team.
MWO Osaka will continue to visit other areas to ensure the safety and well-being of overseas Filipino workers in its covered prefectures and monitor the supervising organizations/Kumiai and/or employers for their strict adherence / compliance with the rules.
The worksite visit underscores the MWO’s continuing commitment to promoting the welfare and protecting the rights of Filipino workers in its prefectural jurisdictions.
