Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently held a high-level consultative meeting with representatives from key public sector unions to advance government programs, ethical recruitment safeguards, and sustainable reintegration initiatives for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
Delegates from the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), Public Services International (PSI), and UNISON joined senior DMW officials to explore collaborative solutions aimed at safeguarding migrant workers throughout the migration cycle.
During the dialogue, DMW leadership presented ongoing structural reforms designed to enhance ethical transparency, eliminate predatory recruitment, and modernize support systems. Key agency values—compassion, integrity, transparency, excellence, and service—were highlighted as the guiding framework behind the Department’s flagship initiatives.
Key initiatives highlighted during the meeting:
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“Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Nars ng Bayan”: A dedicated reintegration pathway offering returning Filipino nurses stable employment opportunities within the local healthcare system.
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“Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir”: An established program enabling licensed OFW teachers to secure permanent teaching positions in public schools across the Philippines.
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Bagong Bayani ng Mundo OFW Serbisyo Caravan: A mobile, multi-agency outreach program bringing vital government services directly to Filipino communities worldwide.
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Dedicated Infrastructure & On-Site Support: Comprehensive welfare hubs including the specialized OFW Hospital, dedicated OFW Lounges, and Migrants Brew cafés located at international airports.
Union representatives welcomed the Department’s ongoing reforms and active focus on economic and social reintegration. Participating labor organizations committed to disseminating information about these services directly to their overseas memberships.
Notably, PSLINK reaffirmed its ongoing partnership with the DMW to champion regular, transparent, and ethical migration channels. This collaboration includes the development of comprehensive orientation materials and the joint delivery of the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS), Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS)—specifically tailored for UK-bound health and social care professionals.
Meeting attendees:
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Union Representatives:
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Annie Enriquez Geron, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK)
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Cerilyn Pastolero, Public Services International (PSI)
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Louie Horne, BEM, UNISON National Nursing Officer
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Department of Migrant Workers (DMW):
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Jainal T. Rasul, Undersecretary
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Dominique Rubia-Tutay, Undersecretary
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Bernard P. Olalia, Undersecretary
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Julyn Ambito-Fermin, Assistant Secretary
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Jerome Alcantara, Assistant Secretary and Director
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The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between government officials and labor leaders to deepen dialogue, ensure seamless transitions for returning workers, and uphold the highest standards of protection for the Philippines’ global workforce.
