DMW Undersecretary Caunan Appointed as New OWWA Administrator

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), succeeding Arnell Ignacio.

Caunan, who previously served as Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), took her oath of office before DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac on May 16, 2025.

In her remarks, Administrator Caunan expressed gratitude for the trust given by the President. “Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa tiwala at kumpiyansang ibinigay sa akin ng ating Pangulo, at siyempre, sa inyong patuloy na paggabay. Napakapalad ko po—dahil ang dalawang naging boss ko sa pamahalaan ay tunay na may integridad at malasakit sa mga OFW. Ako mismo ay naging saksi sa inyong pamumuno sa POEA at OWWA—ang puso ninyo ay nasa bawat manggagawang Pilipino sa ibang bansa,” she said.

A lawyer by profession and a long-time advocate for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Caunan brings a wealth of experience in international labor policy. As DMW Undersecretary since 2022, she helped forge 15 bilateral labor agreements with countries such as Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait, enhancing the protection and welfare of OFWs globally.

“She has been a trailblazer, that’s even an understatement,” Secretary Cacdac said. “The frontier she has opened for bilateral and international cooperation has been amazing. She has the legal knowhow, the heart, the common sense, and the common touch, which is the most important.”

Known for her hands-on leadership and empathy, Caunan has earned respect in both government and international circles for her commitment to migrant rights, inclusive service, and legal advocacy.

As the new head of OWWA, she is expected to lead the agency into what officials describe as a more responsive, compassionate, and empowering era of service for OFWs and their families.

“Alam kong napakarami pa nating kailangang gawin. Naniniwala ako na kailangan natin ng isang OWWA, isang DMW, at isang gobyerno para sa OFW,” Caunan concluded.