29 August 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, through the Migrant Workers Office – OWWA Tokyo (MWO-OWWA Tokyo), organized a symposium on the migration cycle and its impact on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) on 28 August 2024.

The symposium brought together 22 researchers from various Japanese universities, including Ochanomizu University, Rikkyo University, Yokohama National University, University of Kitakyushu, Ferris University, Dokkyo University, and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

MWO-OWWA Tokyo presented the Philippine government’s initiatives, services, and programs for OFWs, highlighting the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in 2022. The department is dedicated to ensuring the welfare and protection of Filipino migrant workers across the globe.

“I am grateful to the participants for taking part in this valuable exchange of knowledge and insights on the migration cycle, which is crucial in understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by our OFWs. Collaborative efforts like these enable us to continuously enhance the support we provide to Filipino workers abroad,” Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano stated.

The creation of the DMW is a key component of the Philippines’ commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM). Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018, the GCM is the first intergovernmentally negotiated agreement under the United Nations that comprehensively addresses all aspects of international migration. It outlines 23 objectives for effective management of migration, including in the areas of data collection, migrant protection, and international cooperation.

The Philippines is recognized as a GCM Champion, given its sustained and active engagement in the negotiation, adoption, and implementation of the GCM.

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