Riyadh: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) emphasized the Philippines' dedication to ethical and controlled labor mobility during a significant engagement with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Saudi Arabian labor ministers. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Third Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac engaged with representatives from the ILO and labor ministers from various countries, including Armenia, Bhutan, Djibouti, Egypt, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, and Sri Lanka. During this gathering, Cacdac affirmed Manila's commitment to closely collaborate with Gulf countries and international partners to enhance worker protection, promote transparent recruitment systems, and support skills-based deployment that benefits both migrant workers and host nations.

Cacdac highlighted the significance of the Gulf region in global labor mobility, specifically noting Saudi Arabia as a primary destination for Filipino workers. He stated that collaboration with host countries and the ILO could foster fair recruitment systems that safeguard workers while fulfilling labor market demands.

Furthermore, Cacdac stressed the DMW's focus on upskilling Filipino domestic workers, who are increasingly acknowledged for roles beyond household staff, extending to caregiving positions such as childcare, elderly care, and long-term disability care.

During his visit to Riyadh, Cacdac also participated in the 10th anniversary celebration of MUSANED, Saudi Arabia's unified platform for domestic worker recruitment, acknowledging its role in enhancing systematic and regulated recruitment practices within the country.