MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano plans to use social media platforms as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) seeks to better connect with and help overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in distress.

In a press conference Monday, Cayetano said social media would be useful in gathering information on the situation of OFWs in far-flung areas abroad.

"This week, there will be meetings with some people who are proposing a social media platform or apps that can be used to assist our missions for better connection and quicker coordination with OFWs in distress," he said.

During the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Cayetano also asked employees of the DFA to meet with other concerned agencies to help OFWs in need.

Cayetano stressed that they should not settle with just protecting OFWs as President Rodrigo Duterte also ordered them make sure they are comfortable.

"President Duterte ordered us to look into their convenience and comfort. Hindi sapat na protected sila, hindi sapat na yung kanilang welfare [lang ang ating tinututukan]," he said.

Cayetano said the DFA should be able to resolve problems of OFWs who have problems with long lines in processing their papers or those who work in areas far from the country's consulates.

He also mentioned reports of Filipino workers in Hong Kong who have difficulties paying their debts. He said the DFA needs to help them in coordination with other government agencies.

"If you need me to call other officials, do it; we can't do it alone and the President will not accept excuses," he said.

Cayetano said he wants to strengthen the DFA team, especially in their mission to help OFWs abroad. He said the DFA will continue to pursue the "one team" policy in this cause.

"We will do our best. We will have regular meetings with OFW groups," he said.