Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac concluded a successful engagement visit to the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, where he met with approximately 70 skilled Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) employed by the global shipbuilding giant.
The Secretary’s primary objective was to personally ascertain and ensure the welfare, protection, and rights of the Filipino welders and electricians working at the facility. This visit directly reinforces the DMW’s core mandate to promote quality jobs and decent working conditions for all Filipino workers overseas, in compliance with the directive set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
“Our presence here in Ulsan is a tangible expression of our commitment to our OFWs. We are here to listen, to ensure their working environment is safe and their rights are protected, and to assure them that the government is fully behind them,” Secretary Cacdac stated.
The mission is also aligned with the President’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with key foreign employers and investors to cultivate more high-quality job opportunities for skilled Filipinos. HD HHI, which has a major investment in the Philippines’ shipbuilding project launched by President Marcos Jr. earlier this year, serves as a vital strategic partner in this goal.
Secretary Cacdac was warmly received by top HD HHI officials, including Senior Vice President Jungil Kim, Senior Executive Vice President of the Naval Business Unit Yong-yeol Park, and Executive In-Charge of the Co-Prosperity Business Office Sang-won Shin. He was accompanied by Labor Attaché and Head of the Migrant Workers Office in Seoul, Atty. Rosemarie G. Duquez.
The meeting serves as an important step towards a stronger, collaborative relationship between the DMW, HD HHI, and the Filipino workforce, ultimately working to promote productive migration and improve the quality of life for OFWs and their families.
