The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of the Aseanway Learning and Development Center located in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City, on May 16, 2025, due to allegations of illegal recruitment and placement activities conducted without the requisite license.

This facility, along with its affiliated institution, IWA Language Learning Center, marks the 13th establishment shut down by the DMW in the current year for similar infractions.

The DMW's investigation revealed that these centers, while presenting themselves as language training institutions, were reportedly referring students to various job agencies in Japan without the appropriate authorization.

Eric Dollete, director of the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau, indicated that the referrals were directed to agencies based in Metro Manila, which facilitated employment opportunities in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Program.

The job offerings included a range of positions such as factory work, farming, welding, and hospitality roles, with advertised monthly salaries purportedly ranging from PHP 50,000 to PHP 70,000.

Prospective applicants were required to pay PHP 15,888 for a 150-hour language training program, which was presented as a prerequisite for overseas employment.

Dollete characterized the situation as a demonstrative instance of illegal recruitment concealed beneath the guise of legitimate training.

He emphasized that promises of employment in Japan made by the centers constituted violations as these entities were not licensed recruiters.

According to Dollete, any referrals and employment assistance of this nature necessitate accreditation from the DMW.

Furthermore, students were initially required to pass language proficiency examinations, including the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and the Skilled Worker Test, prior to being referred to partner agencies.

These practices are categorized under the definition of ‘recruitment and placement’ as outlined in Article 13(b) of the Labor Code and may represent prohibited conduct pursuant to Article 34.

Investigations indicated that the promotion of these activities was conducted through online platforms, including social media sites like Facebook.

The Lapu-Lapu branch of Aseanway reportedly commenced operations in January 2025, while a network of similar language centers in Bulacan, particularly in Calumpit and Malolos, had been operational since 2020.

Individuals identified as being involved in the operations include Aherika Joy Gaji Cruz and Sean Kelley Roxas Cruz of Aseanway, in addition to Eva Alfonso Gaji of IWA Language Learning Center in Malolos.

The DMW plans to formally file charges in Lapu-Lapu City concerning the illegal recruitment activities.

Kim Francisco, chief of the Public Employment Service Office in Lapu-Lapu City, confirmed that the language center had not obtained necessary accreditation from their office and lacked valid permits for any recruitment-related endeavors.

Francisco cautioned the public, particularly those interested in language instruction or overseas employment, to engage only with legitimate training centers that refrain from offering job placements as a part of their services.

He urged that individuals seeking work abroad should coordinate directly with the PESO office, which operates with licensed recruitment agencies fully documented by the DMW.