Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are set to benefit from enhanced labor protections, fair recruitment systems, skills recognition, and expanded social protection through the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) TRIANGLE Partnerships for Fair and Effective Labour Migration in ASEAN.
The partnership was discussed during a courtesy call held on 17 June 2026 at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Central Office, reaffirming the shared commitment of the DMW and the ILO to promote safe, ethical, and rights-based labor migration across the ASEAN region.
The TRIANGLE Partnership is a five-year regional labor migration program that will be implemented from 2026 to 2031. The Philippines is among the eight ASEAN member states participating in the initiative, which seeks to improve labor migration governance and strengthen protections for migrant workers.
Key areas of collaboration under the program include:
- Fair recruitment and legal migration pathways;
- Skills mobility and recognition;
- Social protection and portability of benefits;
- Labor protection and promotion of decent work; and
- Reintegration of migrant workers.
Through these priority areas, the partnership aims to create greater opportunities for Filipino migrant workers while ensuring their rights, welfare, and dignity are protected throughout the migration cycle.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the meeting together with DMW officials and representatives from the ILO, including Mr. Hussein Macarambon, Ms. Ma. Concepcion Sardaña, and Ms. Marja Paavilainen, Senior Programme Officer.
The DMW welcomed the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation and advancing policies that support fair and effective labor migration for OFWs and their families.
The engagement underscores the Philippines’ continuing efforts to champion migrant workers’ rights and promote inclusive, sustainable labor migration within the ASEAN community.
