Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers met with Singaporean ministers from 15 to 17 September 2024 to enhance the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers.

Singapore, 19 September 2024 – Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) conducted an official visit to Singapore from 15 to 17 September 2024. During his visit, he met with key ministers, including Dr. Tan See Leng from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Minister Ong Ye Kung from the Ministry of Health (MOH). These discussions aimed to bolster the welfare and protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Singapore.

In his meeting with Minister Tan, Secretary Cacdac addressed initiatives to enhance labor cooperation and improve employment conditions for OFWs. They focused on tackling critical issues, such as illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and excessive placement fees. Secretary Cacdac emphasized the importance of collaboration to create a safer and fairer environment for Filipino workers in Singapore.

The meeting with Minister Ong centered on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the recruitment of Filipino healthcare workers. Secretary Cacdac highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to realizing the MOU’s goals, discussing areas such as human resource development and capacity-building initiatives, including scholarships for Filipino nursing students. They also explored reintegration programs aimed at supporting Filipino healthcare professionals in advancing their careers.

While in Singapore, Secretary Cacdac attended the launch of the Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids Philippine Exhibit at Gardens by the Bay and visited OFWs at their workplaces, engaging with both workers and their employers. He held meetings with officials from the Temasek Foundation and visited MOH accommodation facilities. Additionally, he met with the Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Medardo Macaraig, to express appreciation for the Embassy’s support of the Migrant Workers Office’s initiatives. Ambassador Macaraig reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to promoting and protecting the welfare of OFWs in Singapore. Joining Secretary Cacdac in these engagements were DMW officials Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan and Atty. Haney Lynn Siclot, along with the personnel of the MWO-Singapore.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore