In pursuit of their shared mission to promote and safeguard the rights, welfare, and interests of overseas Filipinos, Secretary Dante Francis Ang II of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) met with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac on November 20, 2024, at the DMW Main Office.

Secretary Ang reaffirmed the CFO’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, emphasizing the importance of enhancing support services, expanding programs for social and economic integration, and upholding the rights of Filipinos in their host countries. The DMW, a vital partner in these endeavors, expressed similar enthusiasm for deepening cooperation.

During the meeting, the DMW expressed interest in integrating the CFO’s Peso Sense Program, a Philippine Financial Freedom Campaign, into its pre-departure orientations for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to improve the financial literacy of overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries, particularly those in the cruise ship industry. Recognizing the program’s extensive reach, with more than 3 Million followers, Secretary Cacdac highlighted its potential to empower younger OFWs by fostering prudent financial management habits early in their careers.

The discussions also explored other collaborative opportunities, such as bolstering reintegration programs and facilitating investment and technology transfer through the CFO’s BaLinkBayan platform.
In addition, the meeting touched on key concerns, including the experiences of J-1 visa participants in the United States and the Au Pair program in Europe, underscoring the agencies’ proactive approach to addressing emerging issues.

The productive dialogue was attended by DMW Assistant Secretaries Maria Regina Galias and Francisco De Guzman, alongside CFO representatives Undersecretary Arlene Borja, Ms. Janet Ramos, Mr. Eumarlo Tolosa, Ms. Benilda Pereyra, and Mr. Manolo Tibe.

Both agencies reaffirmed their shared dedication to advancing the well-being and future of overseas Filipinos worldwide.