Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is strengthening its measures to ensure the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly the seasonal workers in South Korea. In a news release on Thursday, the DMW said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac checked and listened to Filipino farm workers from Pura, Tarlac, during an inspection and welfare mission to Geochang on Oct. 29.

According to Philippines News Agency, the visit aimed to monitor the Filipino workers’ living and working conditions, address their concerns, and coordinate with Korean authorities in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure fair and secure employment of OFWs. ‘Sa pamamagitan ng direktang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga manggagawa at lokal na awtoridad, pinatitibay ng DMW ang mga programa at inisyatiba nito upang magbigay ng komprehensibong suporta at proteksyon sa mga Filipino seasonal workers sa Korea (Through direct engagement with workers and local authorities, DMW is strengthening its programs and initiatives to provide comprehensive support and protection to Filipino seasonal workers in Korea),’ it said.

Cacdac, together with Labor Attach© Rosemarie Gondranious-Duquez and Welfare Officer Cornelia DG Chanco, met with local chief executive Guo In Mo and South Korean labor officials to reinforce bilateral cooperation in upholding worker protection standards. Cacdac assured that the Philippine government is taking concrete steps to make sure every Filipino worker abroad is safe, legally employed and treated with dignity.

The DMW added that the visit is part of a broader effort to strengthen monitoring mechanisms on Filipino workers. The DMW resumed the deployment of seasonal workers to South Korea under tighter oversight, following reports of previous welfare and safety issues involving Filipino workers. Cacdac said the agency is implementing stricter vetting of employers and continuous welfare checks through its labor and welfare officers.