The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to issue a firmer set of guidelines on the accomodation or housing facilities provided by licensed Philippine recruitment agencies (PRAs) deploying household service workers (HSWs).

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the DMW is considering the Singaporean housing standards for migrant workers to address the “deplorable” housing conditions of applicant-workers crammed in substandard accommodation rooms while awaiting deployment by their recruitment agencies.

“We are due to issue a firmer set of accomodation guidelines at isa po sa tinitignan namin ay ‘yung Singaporean housing standard for migrant workers,” said Secretary Cacdac during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The Singaporean standard requires up to 12 residence per room with at least one meter spacing between beds and 3.6 square meters living space per resident. It also requires at least one shower, one basin for every 6 residents.

Senator Raffy Tulfo also suggested to require provision of locker rooms or cabinet for each applicant-worker for the safe keeping of their personal belongings, and the availability of first aid kits.

“Gusto ko magkaroon ng locker bawat isang resident. Emergency first aid kit dapat mayroon. Yung nagbabantay dapat mayroon din alam sa first aid,” Senator Tulfo said.

The Senator also suggested to include the provision of internet connection, basic toiletries, and prayer room for the applicant-worker residents.

Secretary Cacdac noted the suggestions and even assured that applicant-worker residents during their down time of waiting for deployment will be provided with training, including basic training on first aid.

Internet connection will be a requirement as well for first hand reporting of applicant-workers on their conditions at their accomodation facilities.

Secretary Cacdac said that DMW will also coordinate with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for the presumption of human trafficking if the applicant-workers are being barred to go outside their accommodation.

“Kakausapin namin ang IACAT. Dahil kapag ang sitwasyon ay hindi pwedeng makalabas [ang OFW], that is presumed act of human trafficking. Ibig sabihin, hindi sila kumbinsido na dapat silang nanduduon kaya hindi sila pinapalabas,” Cacdac said.

Senator Tulfo also instructed DMW to thoroughly  inspect the accomodation facilities of would-be OFWs and ensure their welfare and safety.

The DMW is set to conduct a nationwide inspection  of the housing accomodation for applicant-workers provided by PRAs.

“We are conducting a nationwide survey, lalo na sa domestic worker recruitment kung meron sila, kasi the mere fact na may accommodation sila na ‘di nakarehistro, penalty, offense kaaagad ‘yun,” Cacdac stated.

Out of 33 listed accomodation facilities, the DMW already delisted 27 accommodation facilities due to violation of standards.