Marcos orders creation of migrant workers office in Cambodia
Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the establishment of a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Phnom Penh to safeguard the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during a meeting with the Filipino community in Cambodia on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Speaking to more than 500 Filipinos at the Sofitel Hotel, Marcos noted the vital role OFWs in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Cambodia.
“Higit sa lahat ay patuloy nating tatalakayin sa Cambodia ang pagpapatibay sa kaukulang proteksyon at kagalingan ng mga migranteng manggagawa,” Marcos said.
[Translation: Above all, we will continue discussions in Cambodia to strengthen the protection and welfare of migrant workers.]
He added, “Kung kaya’t naatasan ko si Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac na magbukas ng Migrant Workers Office dito ngayon sa Phnom Penh. Gagawin ito sa lalong madaling panahon upang maging katuwang ng ating Embahada sa pagsulong ng inyong kapakanan at para ipagtanggol ang inyong mga karapatan.”
[Translation: I have tasked Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to open a Migrant Workers Office here in Phnom Penh. This will be done as soon as possible to support our Embassy in promoting your welfare and defending your rights.]
The MWO will provide legal assistance, welfare aid, reintegration support, and skills training for Filipino workers. It is intended to strengthen the Philippine Embassy’s capacity to protect labor rights and facilitate cooperation on labor matters between the two nations.
Marcos also acknowledged the contributions of Filipinos in Cambodia, highlighting their roles in schools, hospitals, businesses, and major infrastructure projects, including Cambodia’s new international airport.
“Sa tulong ng aking Gabinete, asahan ninyo na lagi kaming magpupunyagi na maiangat ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino upang isang matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na Bagong Pilipinas ang sasalubong sa inyo sa inyong pag-uwi,” he said.
[Translation: With the help of my Cabinet, rest assured we will continue striving to uplift the lives of every Filipino so that a stable, comfortable, and secure New Philippines awaits you upon your return.]
The President is in Phnom Penh for a three-day state visit, which includes meetings with Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting head of state and Senate President Hun Sen. Marcos is expected to sign bilateral agreements covering higher education, air services, and cooperation against transnational crime and human trafficking.
