CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — The Philippine government’s Department of Migrant Workers warned prospective overseas job seekers Friday about the risks of illegal recruitment, launching an anti-trafficking advocacy campaign in Malaybalay City in the southern region of Bukidnon.
The campaign, known as the Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons initiative, or AIRTIP, aims to shield Filipino workers from job scams and human trafficking as demand for overseas employment remains high across the country.
“It’s our mission not only to help Filipinos find jobs outside the country, but also to secure their rights and safety,” said Emmanuel Toledo, officer-in-charge of the department’s Northern Mindanao office, in remarks delivered on his behalf.
During Friday’s orientation session, prospective workers received guidance on identifying illegal recruitment schemes and navigating legitimate pathways to overseas employment. Officials also monitored licensed recruitment agencies present at the event to verify compliance with department regulations.
AIRTIP is a nationwide awareness program that operates on a continuing basis. The Malaybalay event marks part of a regional rollout of the campaign across Northern Mindanao.
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest exporters of labor, with millions of overseas Filipino workers sending remittances home each year. Authorities have long warned that the demand for foreign employment makes job seekers vulnerable to fraudulent recruiters and trafficking networks.
