PRESS RELEASE
PR-102-2024
(19 September 2024, Singapore) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Philippine government agency mandated to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), made an official visit to Singapore from 15 to 17 September 2024 and met with Singapore Ministers, namely Dr. Tan See Leng of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Minister Ong Ye Kung of the Ministry of Health (MOH).
In his meeting with Minister Tan, Secretary Cacdac discussed initiatives to further enhance the welfare and protection of OFWs in Singapore. Their discussions focused on strengthening labor cooperation, improving employment terms and conditions, and addressing key issues faced by OFWs, such as illegal recruitment, human trafficking and exorbitant placement fees.
The meeting with Minister Ong focused on follow-up actions and future steps regarding the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Recruitment of Filipino Healthcare Workers. Secretary Cacdac emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to translating the MOU’s objectives into tangible benefits for both nations. Specifically, they discussed the areas of cooperation in human resource development, including professional and technical capacity-building initiatives, such as scholarships for Filipino nursing students. They also discussed reintegration programs for Filipino healthcare professionals, including scholarships for nurses pursuing advanced degrees to qualify as nursing instructors in the Philippines.
Secretary Cacdac’s meetings with the Singaporean Ministers reinforced the Philippines and Singapore’s shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and ensuring a fair, safe, and prosperous environment for Filipino workers in Singapore.
While in Singapore, Secretary Cacdac also attended the launch of the Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids Philippine Exhibit at Gardens by the Bay. He also visited the workplaces of OFWs and engaged with them and their employers, held meetings with officials of the Temasek Foundation, and visited MOH accommodation facilities.
Secretary Cacdac also met Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Medardo Macaraig, to personally express DMW’s appreciation for the Philippine Embassy’s continued support to the officers and personnel of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). He also extended gratitude for the Embassy’s unwavering dedication to the DMW’s programs and activities.
Ambassador Macaraig, in turn, reaffirmed the Embassy’s unwavering commitment to advancing the shared mission of protecting and promoting the welfare of OFWs in Singapore.
Joining Secretary Cacdac in his official engagements were DMW officials Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan and Atty. Haney Lynn Siclot, as well as personnel of MWO-Singapore led by its Officer-in-Charge Atty. Eduard C. Ferrer. (END).
