The Philippine government is taking another strong step to protect and empower its modern-day heroes — the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
During the 10th Vienna Migration Conference, the Philippines met with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) to discuss new ways to ensure safer, fairer, and more sustainable opportunities for Filipino workers abroad.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the talks focused on several key areas — improving labor information systems, recognizing Filipino skills globally, and strengthening quick-response mechanisms for OFWs in need.
Stronger Ties, Safer Workers
In meetings held on the sidelines of the conference, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac sat down with ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger, Director General-elect Susanne Raab, and other officials to outline the next steps in collaboration.
Their discussions covered initiatives like the Labor Practitioner Network, joint action research on safe seasonal work, and efforts to enhance pension, social benefits, and migrant return programs for OFWs.
“These partnerships are part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen labor diplomacy and ensure that host countries uphold their responsibility,” the DMW said in a statement.
The goal, it added, is to promote safe, ethical, and transparent recruitment processes, and to guarantee just and humane working conditions for every Filipino worker overseas.
A Global Leader in Ethical Migration
Over the years, the Philippines has earned praise as a global leader in ethical and strategic labor migration governance — thanks to its rights-based, worker-centered approach.
At a high-level panel in Vienna, Secretary Cacdac underscored this commitment, saying the country’s framework doesn’t treat labor export as a policy, but rather recognizes the workers themselves as drivers of opportunity.
“Exporting labor is not our development policy,” Cacdac said. “It is the worker who creates employment opportunities abroad.”
He emphasized that when migration is responsibly managed, it becomes a powerful force for inclusive growth, global cooperation, and human dignity.
Helping OFWs Return Home Stronger
The DMW also highlighted that these new initiatives go hand in hand with reintegration programs for returning OFWs — helping them transition smoothly into local jobs, start their own businesses, or apply the valuable experience they gained abroad.
Filipinos continue to be among the world’s most sought-after professionals — excelling in healthcare, maritime, engineering, and domestic services — and contributing not only to global progress, but also to the heart of their homeland’s economy.
With these new measures, the Philippines and ICMPD are sending a clear message:
every Filipino worker deserves protection, respect, and the power to thrive — wherever they are in the world.
