DMW: OFWs creating demand for OFWs

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AMID the constant criticism of the government’s supposed labor export policy, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are creating demand for more OFWs.

Speaking at the sidelines of the Overseas Labor Market Forum in Quezon City, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the skills, competence, and work ethic of OFWs are the reasons why foreign employers look to hire Filipinos.

“We are not creating the demand for OFWs. Filipinos have done that for themselves. OFWs are known to be hardworking, provide quality work, and possess the heart, intelligence, and skills… Filipinos have all of these qualities of an ideal worker,” said Cacdac.

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“All these qualities of OFWs are the ones that create a demand for themselves,” he added.

Cacdac cited as an example the recent opening of new markets in Europe such as Slovenia, Finland, Austria, Romania, Czech Republic, and Croatia.

“Now, we have Central and Eastern Europe markets opening up,” said Cacdac.

He said the role of the DMW is to create a safe working environment for OFWs in coordination with the host countries.

“We are aggressive on what we call bilateral engagements, labor diplomacy, in order to enhance the safe, ethical, transparent, and sustainable labor mobility of OFWs,” said Cacdac.

Critics have constantly accused the Marcos administration, including the DMW, of pushing for the labor export policy.

Migrante International has claimed that Filipinos are being encouraged by the government to work abroad despite the likelihood of facing exploitative work conditions.

In his speech during the event, Cacdac stressed that working overseas should always be made by choice and not out of necessity.

“It is crucial to emphasize that migration should be a choice, not a necessity,” he said.

“It should serve as a pathway for personal and professional growth rather than an obligation born out of limited opportunities,” added the official.

The event aims to shape the future of the international labor market, with a particular emphasis on employment opportunities, protection, and the welfare of workers.

Present at the event were the ambassadors and representatives of Austria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Japan, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, and Taiwan as well as local recruitment agencies and other stakeholders.

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