Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac underscored four key priorities for overseas Filipinos in a town hall meeting with the Filipino community (FilCom) in New York on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In a news release on Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Cacdac, joined by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Consulate General in New York, met with around 50 FilCom leaders at the historic Philippine Center in Manhattan.

Discussions focused on migrant welfare, reintegration, and the impact of changing foreign policies in host countries.

During the discussion, Cacdac highlighted the Philippine government’s ongoing commitment to assist Filipinos overseas, underscoring four main priorities, namely, the digitalization of services through streamlined platforms such as e-Travel and eGovPH, the Kumusta Kabayan initiative with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to proactively check on overseas FIlipino workers (OFWs) onsite, especially those in the vulnerable sector, like domestic workers.

Cacdac also announced the pilot launch of electronic contract verification for OFWs in Dubai who are changing employers.

Another priority is the expansion of welfare support and services, highlighting assistance through the AKSYON Fund for legal, financial, and medical aid, as well as specialized care at the OFW hospital in Pampanga.

Meanwhile, Cacdac also reaffirmed efforts to promote fair and ethical recruitment and combat illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and other types of exploitative practices.

Last was the reintegration and economic empowerment of OFWs, where Cacdac encouraged support for returning OFWs through the National Reintegration Network, which includes mentorship and franchise opportunities with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

As a son of an OFW parent, Cacdac shared personal reflections as he recalls how his father once told him, “Ikaw ang remittance ko” (You are my remittance).

He said this experience continues to inspire his dedication to ensuring that the sacrifices of migrant workers lead to better futures for their families.

Meanwhile, FilCom leaders expressed gratitude for the government’s initiatives and pledged stronger collaboration with the DMW and DFA, particularly through the Migrant Workers Office in Washington, D.C., to further strengthen protection and empowerment for overseas Filipinos. (PNA)