PRESS RELEASE
PR-046-2024
(29 April 2024, Singapore) The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Philippine government agency mandated to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), conducted the first-ever Capability Enhancement Training (CET) for 120 Welfare Desk Officers (WEDOs) of DMW-accredited Foreign Recruitment Agencies (FRAs) on 25-26 April 2024.
WEDOs play a pivotal role in monitoring and addressing issues faced by domestic workers, making their participation in the CET imperative for effective fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities.
Serving as resource speakers for the training were DMW officials, namely Director Atty. Julyn Ambito-Fermin of the Land-based Accreditation Bureau; Director Atty. Celso Hernandez, Jr., of the NCR Regional Office; and Ms. Moira Idiesca of the Welfare Service Unit. They were joined by Officer-in-Charge of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)- Singapore, Assistant Labor Attache Atty. Eduard Ferrer and Welfare Officer Florencio Teves III.
In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig encouraged the participants to explore best practices, address challenges, and deepen their understanding of the needs and concerns of Filipino domestic workers. He also underscored the role of recruitment agencies in safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of Filipino workers abroad, as well as ensuring that the well-being, rights and welfare of Filipinos seeking employment opportunities overseas are protected.
While in Singapore, the DMW delegation paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Macaraig and took the opportunity to share the DMW’s programs and services, including its ongoing digitalization efforts. They also expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his support to the MWO and its officers and staff. The DMW officials likewise addressed the audience who were attending the 2nd Ugnayan Bagong Pilipinas Townhall Meeting at the Embassy on 28 April 2024.
The DMW officials also had the opportunity to conduct a worksite visit to Singapore General Hospital, which has been employing a significant number of Filipino healthcare workers in Singapore. This visit was facilitated by the Ministry of Health Holdings (MOHH), the recruitment arm overseeing public health institutions in Singapore. (END)
