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PGMA Says Philippines Ready to Champion Migrant Workers Cause |
PRESS RELEASE No. 15
MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 29 -- “The Philippines stands ready to champion the cause of migrant workers, “ thus declared President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she spoke before the delegates and representatives of 163 countries attending the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
In fact, President Arroyo said the government has established what is considered one of the best managed expatriate workers programs in the world.
“On the basis of their contribution and of the nation’s humanitarian responsibilities to its people wherever they are, our government works doubly hard to strengthen migrant workers’ protection—protection from the degradations of domestic recruiters as well as of overseas employers, agents and officials, and protection from physical harm,” the President said.
She said the comprehensive and multi-dimensional “life-cycle” strategy which covers all facets of the overseas employment process - from pre-departure orientation to post-return reintegration and retraining - has been repeatedly acknowledged by international bodies.
During the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2006, the Chief Executive said the Philippines led in formulating the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers and commencing the establishment of an implementing committee.
She said that the Philippines hosted last month the International Conference on Gender, Migration and Development where delegates discussed the gender dimension of the social costs and benefits of migration, the need to uphold the rights of women migrant workers, and the opportunities for enhanced gender equality and benefits of migration for women and their families.
“And now we are honored to be the first developing nation and the first Asian country to host the GFMD,” she added.
For the Philippines, which is at the forefront of the global migration issue, the President said, hosting this meeting of GFMD represents “a high point in our efforts to assist migrants through intensified global dialogue and networks for consultation and cooperation."
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