Philippine Embassy Honors OFWs in Japan with Meaningful Initiatives for Migrant Workers Month
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (6th from left, seated) and Migrant Workers Office-Tokyo head Ramon Lamberto Pastrana (7th from left, seated) with Japanese officials and Filipino participants in the opening ceremony of the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement Training Program for Filipino Nurses and Caregiver Candidates held on 14 June 2024.
TOKYO, 19 June 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, through the Migrant Workers Office in Tokyo (MWO-Tokyo), has prepared a lineup of activities to commemorate Migrant Workers Month this year:
- 6 June: Briefing on Philippine and Japanese labor and migration laws and regulations for Filipino professionals in Japan, in coordination with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Japan;
- 7 June: Exchange with Japanese and ASEAN representatives on labor concerns and issues;
- 8-9 June: Participation in the Philippine Expo at Ueno Park. The MWO-Tokyo booth offered mobile services, including OWWA membership, workers consultation, and post-arrival orientation seminars;
- 14 June: Opening ceremony of the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement Training Program for Filipino Nurses and Caregiver Candidates;
- 15-16 June: Participation in the Pistahan sa Nagoya, providing services such as OWWA membership, workers consultation, and post-arrival orientation seminars;
- 22-25 June: MWO Mission to Ibaraki Prefecture, in tandem with the Consular Outreach Mission of the Embassy; and
- 30 June: Filipino Sports Fest, featuring mobile services.
The Philippines celebrates National Migrant Workers Day annually on 7 June to commemorate the signing of the Migrant Workers Act of 1995 (Republic Act 8042). This comprehensive and progressive legislation aims to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers. It has since been amended three times, with the latest amendment establishing the Department of Migrant Workers to consolidate the source of government support and services for the sector.
MWO-Tokyo head Ramon Lamberto Pastrana underscored the importance of partnerships between his office, the Filipino community, and Japanese government agencies in fulfilling the mandate set forth in the Migrant Workers Act. “We take pride in our sustained collaboration with stakeholders, cognizant that it is only through joint and coordinated efforts that we can effectively address the needs and challenges faced by Filipino migrant workers in Japan,” he said.
As Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano extended her greetings to the more than 70,000 Filipino workers in Japan, she stated, “The celebration of Migrant Workers Month is a testament to our commitment to the welfare and protection of our Filipino workers abroad. These activities not only provide essential services but also strengthen the sense of community among our kababayans in Japan. We will continue to provide them the necessary assistance and support, and safeguard their rights and well-being.”
Philippine Assistant Labor Attaché Barwin Scott Villordon delivers a presentation on Philippine labor and migration laws at a briefing for Filipino professionals held on 6 June 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.
