MANILA, Philippines — The International Labor Organization (ILO) lauded the Philippine government on Thursday for its unwavering dedication to the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), shining a spotlight on a “culture of service” that sets the nation apart on the global stage.
Manuela Tomei, assistant director-general of the ILO’s Geneva office, voiced her admiration during a visit to the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, a facility designed to meet the medical needs of the country’s migrant workers and their families. Accompanied by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Tomei described the Philippines’ commitment as exceptional, a rare model of support for a workforce that powers both the national economy and communities worldwide.
“I have not seen this culture of service in many countries I have visited,” Tomei said, her tone reflecting both surprise and respect. “It’s something that should not be taken for granted. It builds a strong foundation for these workers and their families.”
The visit offered a poignant glimpse into the lives of OFWs, a group celebrated for their resilience yet often tested by sacrifice. Tomei met with workers and their loved ones who rely on the hospital’s services, listening to stories of perseverance amid the grind of life abroad. One moment stood out: as she watched a video documenting the repatriation of deceased migrant workers, the room grew heavy with the weight of their contributions—and losses—especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“These workers show exceptional optimism despite unimaginable challenges,” Tomei said, her words a tribute to their spirit. “They leave their homes, their families, and face personal hardships, yet they remain a backbone of global economies.”
The Philippines sends millions of workers overseas each year, from nurses in Europe to construction laborers in the Middle East, generating billions in remittances that fuel the nation’s growth. But the human cost is steep, and Tomei’s visit underscored a shared resolve to ease that burden. She expressed hope for continued progress, pointing to the need for stronger protections and opportunities for OFWs moving forward.
Secretary Cacdac, a key figure in the country’s migrant labor policies, mirrored her praise, while tipping his hat to Tomei’s own legacy. He highlighted her leadership in advancing ILO Convention 190, a landmark international agreement aimed at shielding workers—including Filipinos—from violence and harassment on the job. “Her work strengthens the global framework that protects our people,” Cacdac said.
The Pampanga stop was more than a ceremonial nod; it signaled a deepening partnership between the ILO, the Philippine government, and other stakeholders. Together, they aim to bolster the safety nets and rights of migrant workers, whose labor abroad often comes with isolation, exploitation, or worse.
For the OFWs and their families at the hospital, Tomei’s visit was a rare moment of recognition—a chance to be seen not just as economic assets, but as human beings enduring extraordinary circumstances. As she departed, her words lingered: a call to preserve and build on a system that, while imperfect, stands as a beacon for others to follow.
