Fresh from his arrival in Phnom Penh, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the establishment of a new Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in the Cambodian capital. The directive, made during a meeting with the Filipino community, aims to enhance the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the country.
The President’s order acknowledges the vital contributions of OFWs to both the Philippine and Cambodian economies, as well as their role in fostering diplomatic relations between the two nations.
A New Hub for Filipino Workers
The new Migrant Workers Office will serve as a crucial extension of the Philippine Embassy, providing a range of services tailored to the needs of Filipino workers. These services include:
Legal support and protection of labor rights.
Welfare assistance and reintegration programs.
Skills training and professional development.
The MWO is expected to significantly improve the government’s capacity to address the concerns of OFWs, offering a direct and reliable resource for assistance.
Recognizing Filipino Excellence
In his address to more than 500 OFWs at the Sofitel Hotel, President Marcos praised the Filipino community’s significant contributions to Cambodia’s development. He highlighted their presence in various sectors, from education and healthcare to business and major infrastructure projects, including the construction of a new international airport.
“Your presence here is a testament to the excellence and dedication of the Filipino people,” President Marcos stated. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipinos, both abroad and at home, promising to work towards a “stable, comfortable, and peaceful New Philippines” for their eventual return.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The establishment of the MWO is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and Cambodia. The President’s three-day State Visit, his first to Cambodia since 2016, will include high-level meetings with Cambodian leaders, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and Acting Head of State and Senate President Hun Sen.
The two nations are expected to sign several bilateral agreements on key issues such as higher education, air services, and transnational crime and human trafficking. The State Visit, extended at the invitation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, follows Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to the Philippines in February 2025.
