DUBAI, UAE — Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac joined the Filipino community in Dubai on June 12, 2026 to commemorate the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The celebration became a platform to reaffirm the government’s commitment to protecting overseas Filipino workers and advancing their welfare across the Middle East.
A Vibrant Celebration with a Message of Service
The festivities kicked off with a lively parade featuring the Dubai Police Academy Band alongside marching bands from Filipino schools based in the UAE. Thousands of kababayans lined the streets, waving flags and cheering as the procession brought a piece of home to the desert city.
Beyond the music and pageantry, the event carried a deeper purpose. Secretary Cacdac’s presence underscored the Marcos administration’s directive to bring government services directly to modern‑day heroes, ensuring that no OFW feels abandoned while working far from home. His attendance signaled that Independence Day abroad is not just a cultural event but a moment of tangible government support.
One‑Country Team Delivers Services Directly to OFWs
Operating under a unified “One‑Country Team Approach,” Cacdac was joined by Philippine Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Consul‑General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista, and representatives from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Together, they formed a mobile government presence ready to address the community’s concerns.
Throughout the day, officials held dialogues with workers, listened to their challenges, and provided on‑the‑spot assistance. This integrated model ensures that diplomatic, labor, and welfare services are not scattered across different agencies but delivered in a coordinated manner. For OFWs, it meant faster answers to contract questions, legal concerns, and benefit inquiries.
Chairmanship Advances Regional Labor Protections
Coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations, the DMW and UAE government outlined the blueprint for upcoming Abu Dhabi Dialogue workshops. Earlier this year, Secretary Cacdac accepted the chairmanship of the 9th Abu Dhabi Dialogue, a critical platform given that 60 to 70 percent of OFWs are stationed in the Gulf.
The Philippines now leads discussions on social protection, health insurance, skills development, and access to justice for migrant workers. Cacdac emphasized that the chairmanship will be used to push for better regional agreements that directly benefit Filipino workers. This diplomatic leverage transforms the Independence Day visit into a strategic opportunity for long‑term welfare gains.
Fast‑Tracking Financial Claims and Legal Benefits
Just ahead of the festivities, the MWO in the UAE signed a pivotal Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Embassy to accelerate the processing of financial claims and legal benefits for OFWs and their families. The pact aims to cut through bureaucratic delays that often leave workers waiting months for settlements.
Secretary Cacdac highlighted the agreement as part of a broader effort to make government responsive and efficient. By streamlining procedures, workers who suffer from work‑related injuries, contract violations, or unfair dismissals can receive their due compensation faster. This reform reflects a government that understands the urgency of workers’ needs.
Safeguarding Filipinos Amid Regional Tensions
The DMW has also reinforced safety protocols as regional tensions persist. Earlier in the year, the department successfully repatriated dozens of OFWs from Dubai due to airspace restrictions, demonstrating active land and air evacuation routes. Secretary Cacdac reiterated that the right to refuse sailing through high‑risk zones remains protected for Filipino seafarers.
War‑risk protections ensure double compensation frameworks for families in case of anomalies. The DMW chief assured workers that the government continuously monitors the security situation and stands ready to act. This commitment provides peace of mind to OFWs and their loved ones back home.
Expanding Healthcare Access for Migrant Workers
Immediately after the Dubai tour, the DMW advanced a comprehensive policy framework targeting HIV support for migrant workers. The initiative bridges healthcare gaps and ensures dignified, confidential pathways for medical assistance throughout the migration cycle.
Secretary Cacdac noted that protecting workers’ health is as vital as ensuring their employment rights. The new framework aligns with global standards and demonstrates the Philippines’ holistic approach to migrant welfare. By addressing healthcare stigma and access, the government strengthens its safety net for all OFWs.
