GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reinforced its dedication to just, humane, and rights-based labor migration policies through active participation in the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) held from June 2 to 13, 2025, in Geneva.
Part of the Philippine delegation led by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, the DMW, headed by Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr., underscored the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to championing the rights of Filipino migrant workers on the global stage.
Acting on the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac to strengthen international labor cooperation and enhance protection for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, the DMW engaged in strategic bilateral and multilateral meetings.
Key discussions focused on enhancing collaboration frameworks with Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Papua New Guinea, Lithuania, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
These high-level engagements aimed to solidify cooperation mechanisms, advance shared objectives in labor protection, and proactively address emerging issues affecting Filipino migrant workers globally.
The DMW also actively contributed to various ILC committee meetings, including the Standard-Setting Committee on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, chaired by Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr.
Undersecretary Rasul was supported by DMW Director Geraldine C. Mendez, MWO-Geneva Officer-in-Charge Lovellie Ann Amores, Administrative Officer Khaasie Gapuzan, and incoming Labor Attaché to Geneva, Jesus Vicente H. Magsaysay II .
The DMW’s involvement in global standard-setting and targeted bilateral diplomacy during the ILC reaffirms its core mission: ensuring the protection and welfare of Filipino migrant workers remain paramount.
