PHILIPPINE MIGRATION GOVERNANCE RECOGNIZED AT 2022 INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON MIGRATION IN GENEVA

Geneva, Switzerland - As part of the Philippines’ efforts to advance the protection of migrants , a Philippine delegation led by DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose A. de Vega attended the Second Session of the International Dialogue on Migration with the theme "Overlapping global crises: the impacts of food insecurity and climate change on migration and displacement", held from 24 to 25 October 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.

In recognition of the Philippines’ major role as a champion in migration governance, Undersecretary de Vega was invited to speak as a speaker in the panel discussion on "Strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable to economic adversity: upskilling, financing jobs and the green economy."

In his address, Undersecretary de Vega highlighted the various assistance packagaes provided by the Philippine government to Filipino migrants in vulnerable situations. He further emphasized the country's efforts to facilitate labor mobility during the pandemic, including ways to combat trafficking and wage theft.

Among these are the COVID-19 mass repatriations, the on-site assistance of the Philippine government to distressed overseas Filipinos, and the bilateral discussions and agreements with countries of destination for the protection of Filipino migrants.

He further underscored the role of the Philippines as a champion country of the Global Compact for Migration, as evidenced by the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers. Most importantly, his discussion noted the phenomenon of climate change as a driver of migration and the need to recognize its effects at the international level. He conveyed the new administration's initiative to make the agricultural sector a top priority due to its adverse impacts that can force people and communities to move.

The IDM is the IOM's principal forum for migration policy dialogue. It provides an avenue to share experiences and perspectives with a view to identify solutions and foster cooperation. The Philippines is committed to maintain its decades-long advocacy for migrant protection, particularly in reducing vulnerabilities of overseas Filipinos and enabling their climate resilience in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society. END