MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative Thursday with the opening of the Susan Ople Labor, Migration, and Development Resource Center in Makati City, a dual-purpose online and physical hub aimed at bolstering support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The launch ceremony, marked by emotional tributes and forward-looking promises, saw Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac dedicate the facility to the late Susan “Toots” Ople, the inaugural head of the DMW and a tireless champion for migrant workers’ rights. Ople, who passed away in 2022, left behind a legacy of advocacy that Cacdac said continues to inspire the agency’s mission.
“This is for Sec. Toots, this is for you,” Cacdac declared, his voice resonating with gratitude as he addressed a crowd of government officials, OFW advocates, and families of migrant workers. “We are honored here today because the Susan Ople Labor, Migration, and Development Resource Center is not just a space. We’re thankful, of course, to the President and First Lady for giving us—literally giving us—the space, and figuratively giving us the opportunity to serve our OFWs better here in Makati.”
The center is poised to become a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to enhance labor migration policies through research, education, and advocacy. It will serve as a comprehensive knowledge hub, offering OFWs, their families, and policymakers access to critical resources on migration, employment rights, and reintegration programs. The facility will house a repository of labor migration data, research materials, and firsthand accounts from OFWs—ensuring that future policies reflect the real-world challenges these workers face.
Cacdac emphasized that the center embodies Ople’s human-centered approach to labor migration. “She viewed migrant workers as more than just statistics,” he said. “She knew their stories, their struggles, and their dreams. She reminded us that labor migration is not just about policies or deployment numbers. It is about people, about hearts and minds, about families, about hope.”
For millions of Filipinos working abroad—whose remittances account for a significant portion of the country’s economy—the center represents a tangible commitment to their welfare. Cacdac noted that it will provide practical support, such as information on employment rights and reintegration assistance, while also fostering a deeper understanding of the migrant experience through documented narratives and data-driven insights.
Ople’s legacy looms large over the initiative. As the first DMW secretary, she spearheaded efforts to protect and uplift OFWs, advocating for fair treatment and recognition of their contributions. “Through this resource center, we ensure that her vision and mission endure,” Cacdac said.
The opening of the Susan Ople Resource Center signals a renewed pledge from the Philippine government to empower its migrant workforce. “With this facility, we strengthen our commitment to protecting, empowering, and supporting OFWs,” Cacdac added, “ensuring that they receive the recognition, resources, and opportunities they deserve.”
Located in the bustling business district of Makati, the center stands as both a physical and symbolic space—a testament to the enduring impact of Ople’s work and a beacon of hope for the millions of Filipinos who leave home in pursuit of better lives abroad.
