25/09/2026
𝐃𝐌𝐖-𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐬
The DMW-CAR, through its Migrant Workers Protection Division (MWPtD), in partnership with the UP-Baguio Kasarian Gender Studies Program, successfully conducted a two-day Capability Enhancement, Gender Sensitivity, and Gender Mainstreaming Seminar-Workshop for Municipal Public Employment Officers (PESOs) across the region.
The initiative underscores DMW-CAR’s continuing commitment to strengthening the knowledge, skills, and perspectives of its partners on the ground. It seeks to equip frontline officers who serve Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families with the knowledge and tools to deliver services that uphold inclusivity, dignity, human rights, and empowerment.
During the seminar, subject matter expert Ms. Raphaella Elaine Miranda challenged participants to examine personal biases and prejudices and encouraged them to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into workplace practices and client service delivery. The discussions emphasized the importance of creating work environments and public services that recognize diverse experiences and respond to the specific needs of clients and communities.
Regional Director Atty. Cheryl L. Daytec highlighted the importance of applying a human rights-based approach in designing and implementing grassroots programs, anchored on the PANTHER principles of Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Transparency, Human dignity, Empowerment, and Rule of Law. The framework reinforces the need for programs and services that place the rights, dignity, and meaningful participation of people at the center of government action.
The seminar also featured a discussion by Ms. Amaranth Rae Abalos on the seasonal work permit scheme in South Korea, facilitated through sisterhood agreements between Philippine local government units and their Korean counterparts. The presentation provided participants with insights into a pathway for short-term overseas employment and highlighted the importance of informed and safe migration.
Meanwhile, the MWPtD introduced a proposed referral mechanism for case endorsements between DMW and PESO officers. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional coordination and facilitate more responsive and efficient assistance to migrant workers and their families, particularly in addressing cases that require inter-agency support.
The learning sessions were complemented by an interactive workshop where participants identified workplace gender issues, proposed appropriate interventions, and determined the offices responsible for implementation. The activity helped translate the seminar discussions into practical and actionable measures that participants can pursue within their respective institutions and communities.
The two-day activity brought together 80 participants, including personnel from the DMW-CAR Regional Office, demonstrating the strong collaboration among national government agencies, local government units, and academic institutions in advancing gender-responsive, inclusive, and rights-based services for migrant workers and their families.
Through initiatives such as this, DMW-CAR continues to strengthen its network of informed, responsive, and empowered frontline partners, working together toward safer migration, inclusive services, and the protection and empowerment of every migrant worker.
