Hans Leo J. Cacdac has been officially announced as the interim Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Secretary Cacdac expressed his gratitude and commitment to enhancing the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) following his appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“With humility, I receive the news of my ad interim appointment as Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers,” said Secretary Cacdac in a statement. He emphasized his dedication to the millions of OFWs, describing them as “the very best of our beloved country.”
The Secretary outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the conditions and rights of OFWs. His agenda includes streamlining processes for greater efficiency, enhancing regulatory functions to ensure safe and ethical recruitment, and combating illegal recruitment and human trafficking. He also intends to bolster financial education and create more opportunities for OFWs in career, employment, and entrepreneurship.
“We shall work further to maximize the gains of our OFWs’ employment and enable them as co-architects of national development through effective, full-cycle reintegration programs,” Cacdac added. This includes the development of the DMW as the “Tahanan ng OFWs,” a vision initially shaped by his predecessor, the late Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.
The Secretary also vowed to maintain transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance, aligning with the President’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines). He outlined his commitment to a rights-based approach to protect OFWs’ human and employment rights vigorously.
As he steps into his role, Secretary Cacdac honors the legacy of Secretary Ople, whose leadership he described as a guiding light for the department. “I take on this task as a tribute to my predecessor and dear friend, the late Secretary Susan ‘Toots’ Ople, whose passion, vision, work ethic, and leadership will continue to be a beacon for our Department,” he stated.
Secretary Cacdac’s vision for the DMW involves not only protecting the rights of migrant workers but also actively enhancing their potential to contribute to national development.