The Philippines has taken on the Chairmanship of the 9th Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) for the 2026–2027 term, with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac formally accepting the role on behalf of the Philippine Government.
The chairmanship was turned over at the conclusion of the 8th Ministerial Consultations held on February 1, 2026, at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Secretary Cacdac’s report on the Philippines’ assumption of the chairmanship, describing it as a reaffirmation of the country’s long-standing commitment to safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial labor mobility across the Asia–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) corridor.
The Abu Dhabi Dialogue is a state-led regional consultative process that brings together Asian labor-sending countries and GCC destination countries to strengthen cooperation on labor migration. Established in 2008, the Dialogue has served as a platform for sharing best practices, addressing emerging challenges, and advancing policies that protect migrant workers while supporting labor governance.
This will be the second time the Philippines has been entrusted with leading the Dialogue, following its previous chairmanship in 2012 when it hosted the Second Ministerial Consultation in Manila.
During his speech at the 8th Abu Dhabi Dialogue consultations, Cacdac underscored the Philippines’ people-centered and rights-based approach to labor cooperation.
“The Philippines remains firmly committed to the Abu Dhabi Dialogue—not only to promote labor mobility but also to ensure it is fair, safe, and humane. Together, let us prioritize the protection and welfare of our migrant workers—especially the most vulnerable-at the core of our shared future,” Secretary Cacdac said.
As Chair of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue for 2026–2027, the Philippines is expected to lead the development of the Dialogue’s agenda and priorities, particularly in areas including social protection and health insurance, skills development, access to justice, labor mobility, and a just transition.
The Philippine delegation at the ministerial consultations included Philippine Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Alfonso Ver, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr., Labor Attache John Rio Bautista, Chief Charmaine De la Cruz, Cleobelle Romero, and Hanna Ferreras.
