Latest news with #HansLeoJ.Cacdac
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- General
- Filipino Times
Kidapawan OFW Families Finally Receive Long-Delayed Balikbayan Boxes
Three families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kidapawan City finally received their long-delayed Balikbayan boxes, which had been stuck in transit for years. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally led the turnover of the packages, underscoring the sacrifices behind each box. One family received two boxes from Kuwait that had been delayed for nearly three years. The mother of the OFW expressed deep gratitude, saying the goods were hard-earned by her child working abroad. 'These boxes carry more than just items—they hold the hard work and love of our OFWs,' Secretary Cacdac said, highlighting that the delivery of every Balikbayan box restores family dignity and fulfills a promise. The effort was made possible through the collaboration of DMW, Bureau of Customs, OWWA, and other agencies after the signing of a Joint Administrative Order and Deed of Donation aimed at resolving undelivered and fraudulent shipments. The symbolic turnover event was attended by DMW regional officials, representatives from Kidapawan's local government, and members of the OFW Federation, showing unified support for protecting the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families.
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW Showcases OFW Services Through eGovPH Super App at San Juan Launch
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 18, 2025, during the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas eGovPH Serbisyo Hub, highlighting accessible services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) via the eGovPH super app. Cacdac, along with Assistant Secretary Francis Ron De Guzman, guided OFWs through various digital services offered by the DMW booth, including legal help, business training, and financial education. The one-stop hub aims to streamline government processes and provide real-time support for returning OFWs. Cacdac emphasized that these digital innovations reflect the government's mission to deliver faster, more responsive services that help OFWs and their families reintegrate and thrive in the Philippines.
Filipino Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW, Oman eye stronger protection for OFWs
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the government of Oman have agreed to reinforce their labor cooperation to better protect the rights and welfare of OFWs working in the Gulf country. DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac welcomed Omani Minister of Labor Mahad Bin Said Ali Baawain and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Sadr Bin Hamood Albusaidi in Manila on July 14 to discuss safe and ethical recruitment practices for Filipinos. 'By forging digital partnerships with host countries like Oman, we can make recruitment faster, more transparent, and more worker-friendly. Tech solutions can ensure every step is secure, accountable, and focused on protecting OFWs,' Cacdac said. In his part, Minister Baawain said Oman is currently in need of Filipino domestic workers, technicians, port staff, and skilled workers, opening up more job opportunities. They also discussed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labor Cooperation, expected to be signed by January 2026. This includes protection measures such as ethical hiring standards, fair job contracts, systems for resolving issues, and regular inspections through a bilateral Joint Committee. The DMW is also continuing support in other countries such as Jordan, where over 48,000 Filipinos work in caregiving, hospitality, and food services.
Filipino Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW urges ships to avoid Red Sea, Gulf of Aden amid rising threats
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) renewed its call for shipowners and manning agencies to steer clear of high-risk maritime zones such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, following attacks in the region. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac stressed that simply following safety protocols is not enough. 'The best way to protect our seafarers is to avoid these danger zones altogether,' he said. Cacdac cited Department Order No. 1, s. 2024, which mandates stronger protective measures for Filipino seafarers, especially given recent threats of hijacking and violence at sea. He emphasized that failure to report ship movements through these zones will lead to sanctions against non-compliant manning agencies and shipowners. The DMW is actively tracking developments and staying in contact with affected seafarers and their families. According to Secretary Cacdac, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to prioritize seafarers' safety and their families' welfare. 'We owe them protection, not promises,' Cacdac asserted.
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
25 more OFWs from Israel back in Philippines — DMW
Twenty-five overseas Filipino caregivers from Israel have returned safely to the Philippines and reunited with their families after availing of the government's voluntary repatriation program. According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), they arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on July 6. The repatriation was part of the ongoing effort of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad, especially amid the continuing Iran-Israel conflict. The returning OFWs were welcomed by a whole-of-government team led by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. "Nag-aalala ang Pangulo sa kalagayan ninyo, pero masaya na siya na nakauwi na kayo. At bilin niya ay mahalagang makarating ang tulong ng gobyerno sa inyo. Kaya ang hiling namin ay gamitin ng wasto ang financial assistance," Cacdac was quoted in a statement as saying. (The President is worried about your situation, but he's happy now that you're home. He instructed us to make sure government aid reaches you. So we ask that you use the financial assistance wisely.) The DMW, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) headed by Administrator PY Caunan, provided financial aid to the returnees through key programs such as the AKSYON Fund and the Emergency Repatriation Fund. In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended separate cash assistance. The repatriated workers also received TESDA training vouchers for skills upgrading, medical checkups, and health referrals from the Department of Health (DOH). Medical teams from the DOH and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) provided immediate health screenings upon arrival. "Mabuti na lang po may financial assistance na binigay sa amin, magagamit namin ito sa pagtatayo ng maliit na negosyo," said OFW Nelizza Baldrias from Calaca, Batangas. (It's a good thing we were given financial assistance; we can use it to start a small business.) The 25 caregivers are part of the 39th batch of OFWs repatriated from Israel under the Marcos administration's voluntary repatriation initiative. A total of 72 Filipinos have returned from Israel since tensions flared in the region. Since October 2023, a total of 1,405 Filipino migrant workers have been repatriated under President Marcos Jr.'s directive, as the government continues to prioritize the protection and reintegration of overseas Filipinos. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
