DAYS after being appointed, Hans Leo Cacdac is set to lead his first flag ceremony as the Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) today, Monday, at the agency’s head office in EDSA, Mandaluyong City.
In an advisory, the DMW said Cacdac, appointed as the agency’s new secretary last Thursday, “leads the flag-raising ceremony of the Department for the very first time as Secretary on Monday, 29 April 2024.”
Expected to be in attendance are all the senior officials of the DMW’s units and attached agencies.
“He is expected to outline the first of a series of directives under his watch,” said DMW.
In his statement regarding his appointment, Cacdac already gave a preview of the direction of his administration.
He said is looking to streamline and digitalize OFW-protective processes to ensure greater OFW convenience and more efficient operations by stakeholders in overseas employment.
He said they also aim to perform regulatory functions for purposes of safe, fair, and ethical recruitment and to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
Cacdac also said they want to help OFWs protect and leverage their income through popularized and widespread financial education and literacy, financial inclusivity, anti-fraud campaigns, increased interest in the Philippine stock market, and the development of livelihood or entrepreneurial endeavors.
He said they will also develop career, employment, and entrepreneurship pathways for OFWs in partnership with relevant government agencies and the private sector.
He said they also seek to develop skills upgrading or development pathways for OFWs, especially those in lower income levels while establishing programs for senior OFWs.
Cacdac said they also want to pursue deeper bilateral labor relations with OFW host countries, which includes measures on safe, transparent, and fair labor mobility.
He said the Department will also proactively participate in regional and multilateral fora, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to further advance migrant workers’ rights, protection, and development.
He said they will also be looking for the development of DMW central and regional offices and Migrant Workers’ Offices as centers of competence, integrity, and excellence.
Lastly, Cacdac said they will continue to provide fora and avenues for social dialogue with stakeholders in overseas employment, including discussions on policy development and the exercise of rule-making authority.
