The Philippines, through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) during the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized the country’s continuing efforts to strengthen migration governance and uphold the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers during a press briefing on Thursday.
“The purpose of the IMRF is the global review of the implementation of the GCM, which is one of the core mandates of the DMW in ensuring better protection of the rights and welfare of our Filipino migrant workers,” Secretary Cacdac said.
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is the first intergovernmental agreement that comprehensively addresses all dimensions of international migration. It serves as a framework for improving migration governance, addressing migration-related challenges, and maximizing the contribution of migration to sustainable development.
During the forum, Secretary Cacdac highlighted the Philippines’ progress in promoting the welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through a rights-based and full-cycle approach to migration governance. This includes ensuring ethical recruitment practices, safe deployment, and dignified return and reintegration programs for Filipino migrant workers.
On the sidelines of the IMRF, the DMW Secretary also participated in roundtable discussions and bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening international cooperation on labor migration governance.
“All of these are in line with the President’s directive to deepen our bilateral labor relations, especially during these challenging times,” Secretary Cacdac said. “Labor diplomacy and strong bilateral labor relations are crucial in ensuring the welfare and protection of our OFWs through close cooperation with host governments.”
The DMW continues to work closely with international partners and host countries to advance safe, orderly, and regular migration while safeguarding the dignity, rights, and well-being of Filipino migrant workers worldwide.
