DMW to continue adhering to rights-based approach, protecting OFWs under Cacdac

Newly minted Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said on Friday that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will continue to adhere to a rights-based approach and ensure the welfare of Filipino workers abroad under his leadership.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Cacdac as DMW chief on Thursday, months after he was designated as its officer-in-charge following the passing of then-Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople in August last year.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust and confidence bestowed upon me by His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to personally steward over millions of our beloved overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),” said Cacdac in a statement.

“As Secretary, I shall further dedicate myself to safeguarding the rights and welfare of our dear OFWs, who, in the words of the President, represent the very best of our beloved country. I am committed to ensuring their fair treatment, protection, and support, with due attention given to OFW families,” he added.

Cacdac also said he will “further strengthen, broaden, and deepen” the DMW as the “Tahanan ng OFWs” enshrined by Ople.

The DMW will further undertake the following programs under Cacdac's leadership:

1. Streamline and digitalize OFW-protective processes to ensure greater OFW convenience and more efficient operations by stakeholders in overseas employment;

2. Perform regulatory functions for purposes of safe, fair, and ethical recruitment and to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking;

3. Help OFWs protect and leverage their income as aggressively as we protect their rights through popularized and widespread financial education and literacy, financial inclusivity, anti-fraud campaigns, increased interest in the Philippine stock market, and the development of livelihood or entrepreneurial endeavors;

4. Develop career, employment, and entrepreneurship pathways for OFWs in partnership with relevant government agencies and the private sector;

5. Develop skills upgrading or development pathways for OFWs, especially those in lower income levels;

6. Establish programs for senior OFWs;

7. Pursue deeper bilateral labor relations with OFW host countries, which includes measures on safe, transparent, and fair labor mobility, as well as the development of “giving back mechanisms” through investments and brain gain initiatives in partnership with relevant government agencies;

8. Proactively participate in regional and multilateral fora, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to further advance migrant workers' rights, protection, and development;

9. Development of DMW central and regional offices and MWOs (Migrant Workers’ Offices) as Centers of Competence, Integrity, and Excellence, which includes a vigorous anti-corruption and anti-fixer campaign; and,

10. Continue to provide fora and avenues for social dialogue with stakeholders in overseas employment, including discussions on policy development and the exercise of rule-making authority.

“I am confident that we in the DMW, working together with other government agencies under the President’s leadership, can positively impact the lives of our migrant workers,” said Cacdac.

He added: “I take on this task as a tribute to my predecessor and dear friend, the late Secretary Susan 'Toots' Ople, whose passion, vision, work ethic, and leadership will continue to be a beacon for our Department. I look forward to further building upon the legacy she began.''

Before his appointment to the Cabinet, Cacdac served as Undersecretary of the DMW; Executive Director V of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); Executive Director V of the Philippine Employment Administration (POEA); and Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 

He also served as Deputy Executive Director V of the POEA; Executive Director IV of the National Conciliation Mediation Board-DOLE; Director IV of the Bureau of Labor Relations-DOLE; and Associate Lawyer and Urban Poor Unit Coordinator of the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN) in the private sector. — VBL, GMA Integrated News