Latest news with #Caunan
Filipino Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Caunan replaces Ignacio as OWWA chief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), replacing Arnell Ignacio. Caunan took her oath of office before Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Friday. She was former undersecretary for policy and international cooperation at the Department of Migrant Workers, having held the position since August 2022. During her tenure, she helped negotiate and finalize 15 bilateral labor migration agreements aimed at enhancing the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). 'Each agreement is aimed at strengthening the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers in partner countries, including Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait,' the Palace said in a statement. Malacañang did not provide an explanation for Ignacio's replacement. Caunan previously led a law firm specializing in labor, civil, administrative, and criminal law.
Filipino Times
27-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Better Days Ahead: PH gov't pushes better laws and opportunities for OFWs!
Our hardworking Overseas Filipinos are continuously moving toward a better life — not just for themselves, but for their families back home. And the good news? The Philippine government is stepping up its efforts to support this journey. From stronger job protections to scholarship programs and new benefits, positive changes are coming to make every OFW's experience safer, more rewarding, and more secure. This week, The Filipino Times takes a closer look at the new laws and benefits that overseas Filipino workers can look forward to. The more jobs, the merrier The increasing demand for Filipino workers abroad is creating more opportunities for OFWs to secure their dream jobs. At the Global Labor Market Conference 2025, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan shared that they are collaborating with several countries eager to hire more Filipino talent. 'Various countries expressed their interest in hiring more Filipino skilled workers in the healthcare industry, hospitality, construction, and other sectors,' Caunan said, following 10 high-level bilateral meetings with countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Libya, Indonesia, and the Bahamas. Additionally, during the World Governments Summit 2025, the department emphasized its push for more job openings for skilled Filipino professionals in the UAE. Thanks to these efforts, OFWs can look forward to an even wider range of job opportunities in the near future. The Philippine government is not only working to expand job opportunities for OFWs but also to improve their working conditions and protect their rights. During the Forum on ILO Conventions 189 and 190, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac announced upcoming discussions with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and collaborations with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen international migration laws and migrant rights under the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda. 'Under the leadership of President Marcos, we are continuously working to protect Filipino migrant workers,' Cacdac said, highlighting the two-billion-peso AKSYON Fund, which offers legal, financial, and other assistance to OFWs, particularly domestic workers. Additionally, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. allocated PHP 8.79 billion to support the department's efforts in bringing home distressed fellow 'kababayans.' Scam jobs: 'Di sapat kung 'di tapat Stronger bilateral relations and legal rescues during tough times are important, but preventive measures are equally crucial. The Philippine government has partnered with Meta and TikTok to remove 98,000 recruitment scam posts across their platforms. Through the DMW, the government also launched the Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) program, which holds seminars for OFWs and their families to raise awareness and combat human trafficking and illegal recruitment. This ensures that no kababayan is left uninformed and they will be able to recognize and avoid potential scams. Seafarers, matibay sa Magna Carta Filipino seafarers, around 600,000 strong, often face challenges in claiming wages, salaries, and benefits. But with the newly signed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, these processes are now clearer and more secure. The law also strengthens protection and opportunities for seafarers—from hiring to retirement—ensuring their rights are upheld every step of the way. 'Sinisiguro ng Magna Carta of Seafarers at IRR na ito ang inyong mga karapatan laban sa diskriminasyon at pananakot,' President Marcos said. With the IRR recently signed, improved cooperation between government agencies, maritime stakeholders, and labor groups is expected, ensuring a stronger future for the country's seafaring workforce. To a brighter future These new laws, stronger bilateral ties, and growing job opportunities are all for OFWs and those dreaming of working abroad. Just make sure you stay informed and understand these changes, so you can make the most of every chance that comes your way. Because at the end of the day, your future isn't just about finding work—it's about finding the right opportunities, with the right protection, and building the life you deserve.
Filipino Times
18-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
No placement fee: Croatia to offer hotel jobs for Filipinos this summer with P62K monthly salary
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that around 3,500 job opportunities for Filipino hotel workers in Croatia will open this summer, particularly in late April and May. Filipino hotel workers who will qualify can earn more than 1,000 euros, or over 62,000 pesos per month, along with other benefits given to employees in Croatia, according to a report from GMA News. DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan shared that they are currently finalizing guidelines for this partnership between the Philippines and Croatia. 'Since this is a G-to-G arrangement, there won't be any placement fee, and applications must be submitted exclusively through the DMW,' Caunan said. A G-to-G or government-to-government arrangement means that the hiring process happens directly between the two governments, with no middlemen or agencies involved. This setup protects Filipino workers from illegal recruiters and extra charges. The DMW is also working on a similar agreement with Slovenia to address the growing need for Filipino caregivers in that country. Thousands of job openings are expected once the deal is finalized. Filipino caregivers in Slovenia may receive starting salaries ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 euros, equal to around 94,000 to over 156,000 pesos every month.
Filipino Times
08-02-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
DMW seeks for joint monitoring system for Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is advocating for the establishment of a joint monitoring system to oversee Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia. In a statement, DMW Undersecretary for Policy International Cooperation, Patricia Yvonne Caunan, revealed that while Saudi authorities have introduced a digital monitoring system, the Philippines is pushing for improved coordination, including the creation of a shared employer database. This would allow for the immediate sharing of information regarding employers who may have mistreated Filipino workers, enabling prompt action. Caunan emphasized that the goal is to transition from a 'complaint-driven' approach to a more proactive and preventive monitoring system. 'We often face delays and learn about issues only after complaints are filed, and we want to shift away from that model,' she stated. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac added that Saudi Arabia has agreed to implement the monitoring system, which will incorporate a 'know your employer' approach. This will allow workers to review their potential employer's background before leaving the Philippines. The agency is also focused on improving worker categorization, particularly for domestic helpers and caregivers, recognizing the need for specialized care in some cases. Cacdac noted that many Filipino workers are categorized as domestic helpers but end up performing caregiving roles, and efforts are being made to more accurately classify them. The Saudi government has agreed to implement these changes, which will be reflected in a new Memorandum of Agreement later this year.
Arab Times
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Philippines Eyes Stricter Rules to Safeguard Filipinos in Kuwait and Gulf Countries
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 27: Philippine media reported that Kuwait featured prominently in a recent dialogue organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) with recruitment agencies employing Filipino workers across Gulf countries. The meeting aimed to address pressing concerns, propose enhanced measures, and strengthen protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly domestic workers. During the discussion, recruitment agencies proposed several key recommendations, including incorporating strict and clear job descriptions in employment contracts, reducing the duration of contracts from two years to one, increasing salaries for domestic workers, and involving families of OFWs in pre-departure awareness seminars to educate them on the risks and opportunities of working abroad. Both the DMW and recruitment agencies reaffirmed their shared commitment to safeguarding the welfare of OFWs. The department pledged to incorporate the feedback from the dialogue into policy reforms, potentially introducing stricter recruitment measures to prevent exploitation and abuse. The DMW also called on recruitment agencies to intensify monitoring of workers' conditions abroad, respond swiftly to emergencies, and ensure the safe return of workers upon contract completion. Agencies were urged to report foreign recruitment firms found violating rules to prevent future cases of abuse. 'Our goal is not merely to formulate policies but to protect our workers and save lives,' stated Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation for Migrant Workers, who led the dialogue. She emphasized that OFW welfare remains at the heart of the department's initiatives. Caunan explained that the dialogue is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to conduct a comprehensive review of recruitment guidelines, particularly in the Gulf region, to ensure the safety and well-being of OFWs, especially those most vulnerable.
