New york: Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized four key priorities for overseas Filipinos during a town hall meeting with the Filipino community (FilCom) in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac, alongside members of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Consulate General in New York, engaged with approximately 50 FilCom leaders at the historic Philippine Center in Manhattan. The discussions revolved around migrant welfare, reintegration, and the effects of evolving foreign policies in host countries.
Cacdac outlined the Philippine government's ongoing commitment to supporting Filipinos overseas, highlighting four main priorities. These include the digitalization of services via platforms like e-Travel and eGovPH, the Kumusta Kabayan initiative with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to monitor overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) onsite, especially those in vulnerable sectors such as domestic work.
He also unveiled the pilot launch of electronic contract verification for OFWs in Dubai who are switching employers. Additionally, expanding welfare support and services was emphasized, including assistance through the AKSYON Fund for legal, financial, and medical aid, alongside specialized care at the OFW hospital in Pampanga.
Cacdac reaffirmed efforts to promote fair and ethical recruitment, combat illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and other exploitative practices. Reintegration and economic empowerment of OFWs was another priority, encouraging support for returning OFWs via the National Reintegration Network, which offers mentorship and franchise opportunities with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Sharing personal reflections, Cacdac, a son of an OFW parent, recalled his father's words, 'Ikaw ang remittance ko' (You are my remittance), highlighting his commitment to ensuring migrant workers' sacrifices lead to better futures for their families.
FilCom leaders expressed their gratitude for the government's initiatives and pledged stronger collaboration with the DMW and DFA, particularly through the Migrant Workers Office in Washington, D.C., to bolster protection and empowerment for overseas Filipinos.
