Due to alleged illegal recruitment activities, language learning center in Lapu-Lapu shuttered

Local

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shut down a language learning center in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City for allegedly carrying out recruitment and placement without the necessary license.

On May 16, the DMW ordered the closure of the Aseanway Learning and Development Center and its sister company, IWA Language Learning Center. This marked the 13th establishment closed by the agency this year for similar violations and the first closure in Cebu.

The DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau investigators uncovered that the center promoted job opportunities in Japan via social media.

They confirmed the illegal recruitment activities after conducting online surveillance and a formal investigation.

According to bureau director Eric Dollete, the center referred its students to partner agencies in Metro Manila that offered work under Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), despite lacking recruitment authority.

These jobs included farming, factory work, welding, hotel service, and fruit picking, with monthly salaries ranging from P50,000 to P70,000.

Dollete said the center disguised its illegal recruitment by operating as a training facility, requiring students to pass Japanese language proficiency exams before referring them to agencies for employment.

He said these actions fall under the legal definition of recruitment and placement as defined by Article 13(b) of the Labor Code and may be considered prohibited acts under Article 34.

The DMW learned that students paid at least P15,000 for 150 hours of Japanese language instruction.

Dollete noted that under the TITP, training fees should be covered by the employer or supervising organization, not by applicants.

He added that training should only follow once applicants are selected and pre-qualified for employment.

Despite presenting itself as a language school, the center allegedly promised students that they would receive job offers in Japan after completing their training.

Dollete stressed that even licensed language centers are not authorized to recruit unless they secure a separate license from the DMW.

He warned the public against trusting any training center that guarantees overseas employment.

He emphasized that the agency would provide financial aid to affected students and help them pursue legal action against the operators.

The DMW identified Aherika Joy Gaji Cruz and Sean Kelley Roxas Cruz of Aseanway, and Eva Alfonso Gaji of IWA Language Learning Center, as the individuals behind the operation.

The Cebu branch reportedly began operating in January 2025, while the Bulacan branches in Malolos and Calumpit have been in business since 2020.

The case will be filed in Lapu-Lapu City, where the recruitment activities took place.

Lapu-Lapu City Public Employment Service Office (Peso) chief Kim Francisco confirmed that the center was not accredited by their office and had no permit to engage in recruitment.

He encouraged residents seeking jobs abroad to coordinate directly with Peso, which works only with DMW-accredited agencies.

He also said the Peso would reach out to other learning centers to help monitor and prevent similar schemes.(MyTVCebu)