MANILA — The Philippines is spearheading regional efforts to strengthen protections for migrant workers after hosting a key ASEAN meeting focused on advancing labor reforms and safeguarding worker rights across Southeast Asia.
The 19th meeting of the ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) was held June 24 to 25 in Pasay City under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship. The two-day gathering brought together representatives from member states, ASEAN sectoral bodies and development partners to discuss policies aimed at improving migrant worker welfare.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting migrant workers, emphasizing their vital role in the region’s economies and communities. He called for stronger cooperation among ASEAN nations under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” stressing the need for resilience, sustainability and inclusive growth supported by migrant labor.
Delegates reviewed the ACMW’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives, while identifying future priorities, including the implementation of the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers and the development of the ACMW Action Plan for 2026 to 2030. Discussions also focused on enhancing labor migration governance and promoting a more responsive, rights-based approach across the region.
Participants underscored the importance of keeping migrant workers central to ASEAN’s development agenda, noting that effective protection requires coordinated action among governments, institutions and development partners. The meeting also highlighted updates on existing programs and explored new areas for collaboration.
The ACMW, the region’s primary mechanism for advancing migrant worker protections, continues to promote dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN countries to strengthen policies and programs supporting migrant workers.
Closing the meeting, ACMW Chair and Department of Migrant Workers Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara thanked participants for their continued engagement, saying the outcomes reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing the rights and well-being of migrant workers across the region.
