Vienna: The Philippines earned praises at a migration forum held in Vienna, Austria, reaffirming its global leadership in ethical and strategic labor migration governance and for putting the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the heart of its migration policies. Sitting as a resource speaker during a high-level panel titled ‘Migration as an Engine of Development in Countries of Origin – What Is Needed?’ at the 10th Vienna Migration Conference on Wednesday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac underscored that the Philippines’ migration framework is built on three pillars that include protection, empowerment, and reintegration, ensuring that OFWs are supported before departure, while abroad, and upon their return.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac emphasized that the Philippines’ approach to labor mobility is not about exporting labor but empowering people through protection, skills, and opportunity. He highlighted the country’s legal heritage and history of compassion concerning labor, noting a 90-year-old constitutional provision aimed at protecting labor, which has been reiterated in subsequent versions of the Constitution.
Cacdac explained that the Philippines’ development policy focuses on OFWs creating employment opportunities abroad, leveraging the reputation of Filipino workers as compassionate and hard-working. He stated that the role of the Department of Migrant Workers is to ensure that deployment is rights-based, welfare-focused, and development-oriented for both the worker and the nation.
He further discussed the Philippines’ comprehensive labor migration framework, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting, empowering, and supporting Filipino migrant workers throughout their migration journey. Cacdac stressed that strategic management of labor mobility acts as a catalyst for inclusive growth, international cooperation, and the preservation of migrant dignity.
The DMW’s rights-based system is anchored on ethical recruitment, quick welfare response mechanisms, and lifelong learning programs that equip workers with skills in digital literacy, language proficiency, and global standards certification. These initiatives are designed to help OFWs succeed abroad while safeguarding their rights and preparing them for reintegration at home.
Cacdac also discussed the importance of strong bilateral cooperation with countries hosting OFWs, citing longstanding dialogues with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and ASEAN member countries. He emphasized that a combination of protection, regulation, and skills development lays the foundation for successful OFW integration.
He concluded that the Philippines invests in lifelong learning and future skills to ensure that skills and welfare protection go hand in hand. By preparing and informing workers, they become empowered.
At the conference, participants praised the Philippines as a model for other labor-sending nations, with one delegate describing it as ‘a superpower among labor-sending countries.’ Cacdac noted that this recognition underscores the country’s growing influence in shaping humane and sustainable migration policies worldwide.
