Pasay city: The Philippines took the lead in regional efforts to strengthen protections for migrant workers as it hosted the 19th meeting of the Implementation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) for 2026-2027 in Pasay City on June 24 to 25.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Dacdac announced that the two-day gathering, held under the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairship, brought together representatives from ASEAN member states, sectoral bodies, and development partners. The meeting's focus was on discussing policies and initiatives aimed at improving migrant worker welfare and advancing labor migration reforms across Southeast Asia.
In his speech during the opening of the meeting, Cacdac reiterated the Philippines' commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of migrant workers across the ASEAN region. He emphasized the ASEAN theme 'Navigating Our Future, Together,' underscoring the importance of achieving stability, resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth through the contributions of migrant workers.
Cacdac urged ASEAN nations to strengthen cooperation in recognizing the vital role that migrant workers play in the region's economies and communities. During the meeting, delegates discussed ACMW's accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and future priorities, including the implementation of the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers and the development of the ACMW Action Plan 2026-2030.
The meeting also underscored ASEAN's shared commitment to ensuring that migrant workers remain central to regional development efforts. As the primary regional mechanism for advancing policies and programs that safeguard migrant workers, the ACMW continues to promote cooperation among ASEAN countries and encourages a more responsive and rights-based approach to labor migration.
The second day of the meeting highlighted the importance of broader collaboration among governments, ASEAN sectoral bodies, and development partners. Participants shared updates on initiatives supporting migrant workers and explored new areas for cooperation, emphasizing that effective protection requires coordinated action across sectors and institutions.
In closing the event, ACMW Chair and DMW Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara thanked participants for their continued commitment to the welfare of migrant workers. 'The outcomes of the 19th ACMW Meeting reaffirm ASEAN's resolve to build stronger partnerships and pursue innovative solutions that will further advance the rights, protection, and well-being of migrant workers throughout the region,' he said.
