Quezon city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to gather overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), government agencies, private-sector partners, and migrant advocates for the biggest celebration of Filipino Migrant Workers Day, with the launch of its first-ever OFW Global Summit on June 7.
According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced at a press briefing on Monday that the summit aims to strengthen support systems for migrant workers while recognizing their role in nation-building. "Ito ay bunsod ng pagbibigay ng ating mahal na Pangulo ng tagubilin at gabay, kaya't pinagsama-sama natin ng iba't ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, migrant workers offices, pribadong sektor, financial institutions, civil society organizations, international partners, at OFW leaders, upang mas palakasin ang suporta para sa ating mga migrant workers," he said.
He emphasized that it is the government's responsibility to ensure that every OFW has adequate protection and clear support upon their return to the country. "Alam natin na sa bawat pag-alis ng mga OFW, may pamilyang umaasa, may pangarap na binubuo, at may sakripisyong hindi laging nakikita. Ang ating mga OFWs ay hindi lamang nagtatrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya. Sila rin ay malaking bahagi ng pag-unlad ng ating bansa," he stressed.
Cacdac highlighted the continuous strengthening of programs for returning OFWs, including reintegration, livelihood skills training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, health services, social protection, and other programs focused on their families and future. Through the OFW Global Summit, the DMW, together with OFW leaders and organizations, and partner government agencies, will showcase and provide programs and services that address the real needs of OFWs.
The summit, to be held at the Quezon City MICE Center on June 7, is expected to draw around 1,000 sea- and land-based OFWs and connect migrant communities abroad through livestreaming and virtual participation. With the theme "Serbisyong Buo, Kalingang Totoo: Inclusive Empowerment of Global Filipinos for Resilience and Nation Building," the event will feature plenary discussions, workshops, government services, job matching programs, entrepreneurship sessions, and policy discussions focused on migrant concerns.
The DMW stated that the summit forms part of a month-long celebration this June. DMW Director Francisco Aguilar Jr., overall chairman of the summit, noted that the event marks a milestone for the relatively young department. "Ito po yung kauna-unahang pagkakataon simula ng maitayo ang ating departamento na magkakaroon po ng ganito kalaking selebrasyon," he said.
Among the participating government agencies are the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Immigration, and other partner institutions, which will also provide frontline services during the summit. Assistant Secretary Kiko de Guzman mentioned that the summit is closely linked with the National Reintegration Network caravan, which has already reached most regions nationwide.
Cacdac added that discussions during the summit will also tackle priority legislation affecting migrant workers and lessons from previous crises affecting OFWs. Meanwhile, other activities lined up for the month-long celebration include a job fair, a Filipino seafarers week, and the Migrant Workers Health Summit, among others.
