MANILA, Philippines — Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) met with Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources YB Dato Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
They met in Kuala Lumpur on July 31 “to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral and regional labor cooperation,” the DMW said in a statement on Sunday.
“Secretary Cacdac underscored the Philippines’ priority in the upcoming ASEAN Summit highlighting the promotion of fair, ethical, and sustainable labor migration across the region,” the DMW said.
Asean stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The DMW said Cacdac expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s support for “the proposed ASEAN Declaration on Fair, Ethical, and Sustainable Recruitment for Empowered Migrant Workers and Their Families, which is expected to be adopted at the ASEAN Summit in Manila this October.”
“The two officials also exchanged views on migrant worker protection. Minister Ramanan shared updates on Malaysia’s policies for hiring foreign workers, including social security coverage, while Secretary Cacdac outlined the Philippines’ framework for recruitment and protection of overseas Filipino workers,” the DMW said.
“They further discussed enhancing cooperation under the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, currently chaired by the Philippines,” the department said.
The DMW said Cacdac was joined by Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Abrera Ponce, DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr., and Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega.
The following individuals were also present: Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Roussel Reyes, Assistant Labor Attaché Oliva Macawili, and Senhor Labor and Employment Officer Ma. Anna Katerina Fulgencio.
