Marcos directs DMW to enhance labor diplomacy for OFWs

HOMEWARD BOUND Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver and Consul General Marford Angeles of the Embassy of the Philippines in the United Arab Emirates meet with the 39 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel while in transit at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They comprise the seventh batch of OFWs to return to the Philippines since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out in early October. —PHOTO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS FACEBOOK PAGE

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Labor Day tasked the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to strengthen its labor diplomacy to ensure fair conditions for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The President tasked the DMW with protecting the welfare of OFWs, especially during their time of need.

READ: Marcos’ marching order to new DMW chief Cacdac: Protect OFWs

“Let us strengthen our efforts on labor diplomacy at the bilateral and multilateral level, and realize our shared responsibility with host country  to ensure safe and ethical recruitment processes and just and humane conditions for our OFWs,” said Marcos in his Labor Day speech in Malacañan Palace.

Marcos also instructed the DMW and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to address OFW’s needs when returning to the Philippines.

READ: Marcos vows to continuously support working class on Labor Day

“Let us empower our OFWs as our partners in nation-building. Hence, I have directed the DMW, the DOLE, and all other government agencies to strengthen program coordination and development for the reintegration of returning OFWs,” said Marcos.

Hans Leo Cacdac was appointed last month as the new DMW secretary. He held the position of officer-in-charge of the DMW following the death of Susan Ople in August 2023.

Marcos’ marching order to Cacdac was to protect OFWs, especially during times of need.