Baguio city: The Department of Migrant Workers-Cordillera Administrative Region (DMW-CAR) organized a medical mission, legal clinic, and human rights lecture for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Baguio City on Monday. This initiative was part of the National Migrant Workers' Month celebration observed in June.

According to Philippines News Agency, DMW-CAR Director Cherryl Yangot emphasized the significant role that OFWs play in national development. "OFWs bring in dollars to the country through their remittances that keep the economy afloat, especially in times of crisis. We saw that during the pandemic. There were countries that registered zero income, but the Philippines remained afloat because of the OFWs' contribution," Yangot remarked during an interview.

The department also reached out to various churches, encouraging them to dedicate their Sunday services to OFWs, a gesture that was met with a positive response from different denominations.

The Commission on Human Rights-Cordillera (CHR-CAR) expressed concern over the vulnerability of migrant workers to human rights abuses, noting the insecurity of their protection due to their presence in foreign countries and subjection to host country laws. CHR-CAR Director Romel Daguimol highlighted that the most prevalent violations against OFWs include non-payment of salaries, reduction of agreed wages, and poor working conditions. "Non-payment of wages and salaries is tantamount to slavery in dealing with humans. Civilized countries adhere to that," Daguimol stated.

Daguimol also stressed the importance of instilling in all Filipinos, regardless of their location, the awareness that they have rights that must be safeguarded, underscoring the universality of human rights.