Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during a meeting with Filipino community leaders in Hong Kong on Sunday.
In a news release on Tuesday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Cacdac highlighted the department’s major initiatives to improve the long-term opportunities for domestic workers during the dialogue with the Progressive Labor Union of Domestic Workers.
“Kabilang dito ang mga programa para sa pagpapahusay ng kasanayan at panghabambuhay na pagkatuto upang bigyan sila ng bagong kakayahan at pag-angat sa karera, pati na rin ang mga hakbang sa digitalisasyon upang mapadali ang pag-access sa mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan (These include skills development and lifelong learning programs to equip them with new skills and career advancement, as well as digitalization measures to facilitate access to government services),” the DMW said.
“Binigyang-diin din niya ang kahalagahan ng suporta sa reintegrasyon para sa mga nagbabalik na manggagawa, upang masiguro ang kanilang maayos na pagbabalik at pagkakaroon ng pangkabuhayang oportunidad sa komunidad (He also emphasized the importance of reintegration support for returning workers, to ensure their smooth return and livelihood opportunities in the community).”
The union leaders, meanwhile, welcomed the visit and expressed gratitude for the government’s proactive engagement and swift response to workers’ concerns.
They said the dialogue was a meaningful step toward strengthening the partnership between the DMW and Filipino migrant communities abroad.
Cacdac said the dialogue, which was part of his working visit to Hong Kong, focused on DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) programs aimed at ensuring that Filipino domestic workers receive dignified, efficient, and compassionate government services, emphasizing the principle of “red carpet, not red tape,” toward a more responsive and people-centered service delivery for OFWs worldwide. (PNA)