Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac took part in high-level discussions and side events at the 2nd International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, reaffirming the Philippine government’s commitment to overseeing labor migration with ethics and workers’ rights in mind.
As head of the Philippine delegation, Secretary Cacdac co-chaired a roundtable discussion with Nigeria, which tackled the integration of migrants in local societies, ensuring their access to services, and promoting social cohesion, or migrants’ relationships with locals.
Cacdac said during this session that the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) are “no longer a policy aspiration but a moral imperative and a compass for a culture of governance for all migrants.”
Cacdac shared the Philippines’ policies and programs aligned with the 23 objectives of the GCM that tackle, in particular, the matters of labor rights and protection, ethical recruitment, social protection, and migrant welfare mechanisms, during another discussion.
In an informal, interactive multi-stakeholder hearing, Cacdac urged fellow leaders to implement bolstered rights-based approaches to labor migration and sustained international cooperation for the protection of migrant workers through every stage of their emigration.
“Under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we are ensuring that our migrants have guaranteed access to social security, including housing, healthcare, and pension schemes, while maintaining our steadfast commitment to their immediate welfare,” the migrant workers chief said.
In addition, Cacdac co-hosted several other side events during the forum, including a talk with the French Presidency of the G7 and Guatemala about remittances and development. Here, he emphasized the role remittances play in supporting rural communities back in their home country, financial inclusion, and inclusive economic growth.
The secretary also co-hosted an International Labor Organization (ILO) side event with Spain and Bangladesh, where he called to attention the importance of strengthening access to decent work for migrants, and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to maintaining ethical work standards that preserve the dignity and human rights of Filipino migrants all across the globe.
“The establishment of the DMW reflects the government’s resolve to recognize and protect migrant workers’ human rights, an essential foundation for decent work,” said Cacdac.
The IMRF is the United Nations’ principal global platform designed to evaluate the implementation of the GCM and bolster international cooperation on “safe, orderly, and regular” migration.
