Marking the 31st Migrant Workers’ Day, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joined the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to honor the resilience, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide.
This year’s celebration centers on the theme, “Saan Man sa Mundo, Saludo Kabayan! Proteksyon at Dangal sa Bawat Migranteng Pilipino” (Wherever in the World, We Salute You, Fellow Citizen! Protection and Dignity for Every Migrant Filipino), underscoring the government’s renewed dedication to safeguarding the rights of modern-day heroes.
During the event, DMW Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to defending the welfare and dignity of OFWs, particularly those caught in volatile geopolitical situations. Olalia specifically highlighted the government’s active, ongoing assistance for OFWs and their families affected by the conflict between Israel and Iran.
The DMW’s comprehensive crisis response includes:
-
Emergency Repatriation: Dedicated evacuation and safe return flights for affected workers.
-
Immediate Welfare Aid: Provision of temporary accommodation, food aid, and essential welfare services.
-
Financial & Rehabilitation Support: Direct monetary assistance to help displaced workers and their families transition during the crisis.
Beyond crisis response, the 31st Migrant Workers’ Day served as a platform to foster deeper systemic changes. The CHR and DMW collectively called for tighter, more proactive collaboration among government agencies, civil society groups, policymakers, and OFW community leaders to advance long-term empowerment and legal protections.
The event gathered approximately 130 key stakeholders, including prominent OFW leaders from the National Capital Region (NCR), policy advocates, and representatives from various grassroots organizations, all uniting to strengthen the support network for the global Filipino diaspora.
