The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines, Inc. (CMA) formalized a new partnership on Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Belmont Hotel Manila in Newport City, Pasay.
The agreement seeks to strengthen community-based migrant organizations and local government units (LGUs) by rolling out training sessions focused on migrant workers’ rights, safe and legal migration, access to justice, and OFW organizing.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac described the initiative as a crucial milestone. “Isang makabuluhang hakbang ito sa ating misyon na protektahan, bigyang kapangyarihan, at iparinig ang boses ng bawat migrante, saan man sila naroroon,” he said.
Under the deal, the DMW will provide logistical support and expand coordination with LGUs and OFW Help Desks, while CMA will handle mobilization, media outreach, and technical support. Both agencies will conduct regular seminars covering topics such as migrant rights, anti-illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and financial literacy.
CMA Executive Director Ellene Sana emphasized the need to reach Filipinos in far-flung areas where illegal recruiters are active. “Mahalaga na magsama-sama, magtulungan, para makarating sa mga pinakamalayong komunidad, dahil nandoon ang mga unscrupulous recruiters. Sana ay mas marami tayong maabot na komunidad na malalayo, para sila ay mabigyan ng tamang impormasyon sa pag-aabroad at iba pang serbisyo ng gobyerno,” she said.
The collaboration reinforces the government’s campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking, while also promoting safe migration and reintegration programs for overseas Filipino workers, in line with Republic Act No. 11641.
