Latest news with #HansLeoCacdac
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE lauded as global leader in migrant worker welfare by Philippine official
2 June 2025 08:23 DUBAI (WAM) Undersecretary for Welfare and Foreign Employment at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines, Hans Leo Cacdac, has praised the UAE as a leading model for protecting and caring for workers' statements to WAM during the "Kalayaan 2025" Philippine independence celebration in Dubai, Cacdac commended the UAE's efforts in ensuring worker dignity and highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, particularly in migrant worker protection, and expressed optimism for enhanced partnerships. Cacdac affirmed the strong ties between the two nations, noting the DMW's commitment to strengthening cooperation for the benefit of Filipino workers in the UAE. He extended gratitude for the UAE's continuous support, emphasising the importance of ongoing dialogue to improve migrant worker conditions. The grand celebration was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in Dubai today.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Soon, overseas Filipino workers to get free annual checkups
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including those based in the UAE, will soon receive free annual medical check-ups through the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers' (DMW) Aksyon Fund, it was announced on Friday. DMW minister Hans Leo Cacdac made the announcement during a Senate inquiry probing 'irregularities in pre-employment medical examinations and alleged abusive practices by some clinics (in the Philippines),' according to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Cacdac told senator Raffy Tulfo the free medical check-up will be covered by Aksyon (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) fund, a key financial support mechanism for OFWs needing urgent assistance abroad. Cacdac assured the routine health monitoring for OFWs during their deployment and prior to repatriation will also be covered. Tulfo, meanwhile, urged the DMW to institutionalise the initiative through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) 'to ensure greater oversight and regulation of medical clinics conducting OFW health clearances.' 'Medical clinics should have prior coordination with and obtain approval from the DOH,' Tulfo added. OFWs are estimated to be around 15 million across the world. They have a significant presence in the UAE, believed to be more than 700,000 individuals – of which, approximately 450,000 reside in Dubai alone. Overseas Filipinos help keep the Philippine economy afloat. As reported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (central bank), OFWs sent a record $38.34 billion in remittances to the Philippines last year, marking a 3 per cent increase from the $37.21 billion recorded in 2023. Among the contributors are those from the US, Singapore, KSA, Japan, UK and the UAE.
Filipino Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Services for OFWs to remain uninterrupted amid gov't revamp
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families that all programs and services will remain uninterrupted despite the courtesy resignation of Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. Cacdac stepped down in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call for a recalibration of government leadership and operations. It remains unclear, however, whether he will be replaced. In a statement, the DMW stressed that the department—along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and Regional Offices—remains fully committed to delivering better, faster, and more responsive services for OFWs and their families. The department noted that this continued commitment aligns with the administration's push for a more focused and performance-driven approach to governance, particularly in addressing the country's most urgent needs. 'With the guidance and full support of the President, the DMW reaffirms its mission to create an environment where OFWs and their families are valued, protected, and empowered,' the statement read. The department also reiterated its pledge to enhance the quality, accessibility, and impact of its services, ensuring the comfort, security, and success of Filipino migrant workers both at home and abroad.
Filipino Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW sends team to Myanmar to aid Pinoys affected by earthquake
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Yangon, deployed a team to Myanmar to assist Filipinos affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 29. The team included staff from the DMW Central Office and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Bangkok and was led by Assistant Labor Attaché Don Albert Philippe Pangcog. They visited Yangon and Mandalay to provide cash assistance amounting to PHP 75,000 and other welfare support to Filipinos whose jobs and income were disrupted by the earthquake. To help those who want to return home or seek new employment, the team also offered contract verification and Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) processing services. On May 1, Labor Day, Mandalay-based Filipinos received a video message from DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and senior officials, assuring them of continued support from the government. Some Filipinos who had passed through Thailand already received help from the MWO in Bangkok, while the DMW is arranging aid distribution for others still outside Myanmar.
Filipino Times
25-04-2025
- Filipino Times
DMW ramps up crackdown on online job scams, vows stronger protection for aspiring OFWs
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is intensifying efforts to combat online job scams that prey on Filipinos seeking employment abroad. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency is working closely with social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok to remove fake job posts that lure victims into human trafficking and forced labor in so-called 'scam hubs.' 'We've taken down 73,714 fraudulent posts on Facebook and TikTok so far. Daily monitoring is ongoing, and we have active coordination with Meta to stop syndicates posing as legitimate recruiters,' Cacdac said. Senator Raffy Tulfo raised concern over rising reports of Filipinos falling for bogus overseas jobs, later ending up trafficked and exploited. He urged DMW to expand its online surveillance operations. 'Let's add 20 to 30 more surveillance teams to speed up detection of these scams,' Tulfo said. DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia confirmed that the department already conducts online monitoring, but acknowledged the need for further support. Meanwhile, the DMW continues to assist victims rescued from scam hubs. Through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Bangkok, survivors receive post-arrival assistance and financial aid from the AKSYON Fund. Gathering testimonies from rescued OFWs also plays a key role in identifying and prosecuting illegal recruiters. Cacdac said the DMW is planning to open more MWOs in areas with known scam hubs like Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Myanmar. A 24/7 hotline (1348) remains open for complaints, which are referred to the Department of Foreign Affairs for immediate rescue operations. 'We've provided all victims with AKSYON Fund assistance, and we're committed to expanding cooperation with IACAT and other agencies to stop illegal recruitment,' he added.
