Recognition for frontline labor offices focused sharply on the Middle East during the Department of Migrant Workers’ appreciation event on December 19, 2025, where operations in Dubai, Qatar, and Riyadh were cited repeatedly across multiple award categories.
Led by Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the Department of Migrant Workers honored Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) and Labor Attachés for outcomes tied to welfare protection, service delivery, and labor diplomacy for overseas Filipino workers.
Among the recognitions, MWOs in Dubai, Qatar, and Riyadh were cited for running high-functioning Migrant Workers Resource Centers, earning the Haven of Care Award for shelter operations and support services for distressed workers. Dubai also shared the Innovators Circle Award with Singapore for initiatives that improved internal processes and raised service standards.
Diplomatic engagement featured prominently in the awards list. MWOs in Vienna, Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi received the Labor Diplomacy Award for advancing Philippine labor and migration interests. Frontline response and crisis assistance were recognized through the Lingkod Bayani Award for MWOs in Bangkok, Qatar, and Riyadh, while effective deployment of the AKSYON Fund was cited in awards given to Qatar, Israel, and Lebanon.
A broad group of MWOs—including Hong Kong, Dubai, Riyadh, Osaka, Qatar, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Rome, Milan, London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Kuwait—were acknowledged for contributions to the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo – OFW Serbisyo Caravan 2025. Additional citations for the caravan highlighted specific strengths: Outstanding Host (Al Khobar), Most Improved (Dubai), Exceptional Stakeholder Engagement (Jeddah and Al Khobar), Excellence in Logistics and Event Management (Al Khobar and Abu Dhabi), Best in Community Reach and Participation (Kuwait), and Best in Caravan Merchandising and Branding (Hong Kong).
The ceremony also marked long service in the labor corps. Retired Labor Attachés Angel L. Borja Jr., Melchor Dizon, and Gregorio Abalos received the Legacy of Service Award, alongside near-retirees Cynthia R. Cruz and Joan Lourdes G. Lavilla, each credited with decades of work shaping labor governance and external representation.
In his remarks, Cacdac said the work of MWOs carries recognition at the highest level, including from Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., citing their role in ethical recruitment, governance, and sustaining remittance flows. He pointed to Hong Kong as an example, where properly documented contracts facilitated through government channels account for an estimated ₱7.4 billion in monthly remittances. “This did not come out of thin air. Every contract, every peso passed through your hands. So take a bow,” he said.
Cacdac also outlined priorities for the department, including continued process upgrades, plans for improved facilities such as a larger OFW shelter, and strict compliance with Commission on Audit rules, alongside the responsible exercise of authority in service delivery.
