Phl, ILO renew partnership for fair recruitment, migrant workers’ protection

The Philippines and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have reaffirmed their partnership to strengthen fair recruitment practices and combat human trafficking, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Friday.

On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met with ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo to discuss key labor migration issues and the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Cacdac outlined ongoing and planned initiatives, highlighting reforms for vulnerable sectors such as fishers and domestic workers. Among them are the DMW’s domestic workers reform program, which seeks to raise the minimum monthly wage from USD400 to USD500, and the “Know Your Employer” protocol to improve transparency and accountability.

He also cited collaborative efforts with the ILO and International Organization for Migration (IOM) in developing a fair recruitment checklist based on the ILO Code of Conduct to ensure ethical hiring and prevent abuse.

Cacdac further sought ILO’s support as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026, pushing for the establishment of a regional mechanism to enhance migrant worker protection.

For his part, Houngbo praised the Philippines as a global model for labor migration governance, pledging continued ILO technical assistance and engagement with destination countries to advance reforms benefiting migrant workers.

The meeting concluded with both sides committing to expand cooperation to safeguard overseas workers’ rights and welfare, while promoting decent and fair work worldwide.