The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) link to the world. It is directly under the Office of the Secretary of Labor. It acts as the operating arm of DOLE for the administration and enforcement of its policies and programs applicable to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

To date, there are thirty-four (34) POLOs around the world – 11 of which are in Asia, 13 in the Middle East, 7 in Europe, and 3 in the Americas.

In the performance of its services, the POLOs work in partnership with relevant Philippine government agencies, host government, Filipino communities, and non-government organizations (NGOs) that monitor and assist our overseas workforce.
Polo Organization

A Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) is headed by a Labor Attaché who supervises labor corps personnel at post and manages the operations of the FWRC. As stated in R.A. 8042 (1995), each FWRC shall be staffed by a minimum of four (4) personnel composed of the following:

1. A Labor Attaché (DOLE)
2. A Foreign Service personnel (DFA)
3. A Welfare Officer (OWWA)
4. A Center Coordinator (OWWA)
5. An Interpreter, when necessary (local hire)

The POLO operates under the One-Country Team Approach (OCTA) wherein all officers, representatives, and personnel of the Philippine Government posted abroad shall, in each host country, act as one-country team with a mission under the leadership of the Ambassador, who shall act as team leader.

Function

Act as the operating arm of DOLE in their respective geographical areas for the administration and enforcement of duly adopted policies and program of the Department in international labor affairs;

Promote and protect the general welfare of Filipino workers abroad;

Act as representative abroad of the POEA, upon request, to serve as marketing agents of the DOLE with the authority to enter into contracts with foreign employers as established in the negotiating rules of the POEA;

Promote understanding and support between the host government and the Philippines and between Filipino workers and management in the country of assignment through, among others, information dissemination concerning Philippine policies and programs on labor and employment;

Assist Filipino Workers in the preparation of contracts and all documents relating to employment, to certify or attest the same, and whenever authorized, to collect fees therefor, design model contracts of employment suitable to their areas of assignment;

Assist in implementing the foreign exchange remittance program of the government from OFWs to their respective families/beneficiaries in the Philippines;

Keep the DOLE informed on significant development in the field of labor, including political, cultural, social, and economic aspects and policy innovations that may be relevant to Philippine labor needs;

Assist the diplomatic mission or consular mission abroad towards achieving and maintaining cordial relationship and goodwill between the Philippines and the host country;

Submit regular as well as special reports;

Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the SECRETARY.