Events and Activities

Pilot ILO Domestic Worker Empowerment Program (DWEP) Module Malate, Manila 5-6 November 2014 CMA piloted the DWEP module which was developed by the ILO to empower domestic workers. The module is a voluntary pre-departure initiative apart from the PDOS. The pilot of the module was facilitated by two former domestic workers, Marylou Monge and Maia Montenegro and attended by 20 domestic workers. The participants were taught about new laws, SSS membership, the importance of work, cultural differences and savings. The feedback of the domestic workers was positive as they found the module useful in preparing them for employment abroad.

Commision on Human Rights, Quezon City, 26 September 2014
CMA, with the support of Migrant Forum in Asia, organized a consultation in the lead up to the 6th World Social Forum on Migration in Johannesburg in 2014. the WSFM is a CSO led forum to debate, reflect, share ideas and experience, discuss plans and align agendas and actions on migration-related issues. The global forum is hosted every two years.

A Round Table Discussion on Integrating Migrants and Migration in the Post 2015 Development Agenda
Ataneo De Manila University, Quezon City, June 26 2014
With Ataneo de Manila University and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the Center for Migrant Advocacy organized an RTD to discuss the role of migration in the post-2015 sustainable development goals. The RTD aimed to 1) acquaint CSO and Gov. organizations with the 8 points 5-year plan and the Civil society Stockholm Agenda; 2) have an overview of the Philippine MDG as they relate to the CSO Agenda and; 3) initiate a CSO process toward integrating migrants and migration in the post-2015 development agenda.

Round Table Discussion: ASEAN Economic Integration and Migration: more Rights, less Forced Migration
Quezon City, 22 May 2014
This RTD discussed the implications of the ASEAN economic integration agenda on Filipino migration in the region. The presentation was provided by Mike Atilano of CMA and POEA Marketing Director Levinson Alcantara CSO and government participants discussed topics such as the freedom of mobility and low skilled labour, the protection mechanisms under ASEAN, the social effects of economic integration and the Philippine government’s role and stance in the ASEAN debate.

A National CSO consultation on the Global Forum on Migration and Development.
Quezon City 18 March 2014
In preparation for the 7^th  Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Stockholm, Sweden, the Center for Migrant Advocacy, in coordination with Migrant Forum in Asia and supported by CCFD – Terre Solidaire organized a consultation with Civil Society Organizations and Government Agencies to discuss the role of the Philippines and the Civil Society in the coming GFMD. The GFMD is a state-led, non-binding, informal dialogue on the global implications of migration on development.P

A Legislator’s Forum: Advocating for Migrant Rights
House of Representative, Quezon City,
5 December 2013
In coordination with the Commission of Overseas Workers Affairs, CMA held a forum to inform legislators of the various aspects of Filipino Migration and the protection of migrant rights overseas focussing on the legal framework governing migration in the Philippines.

Capacity Building Program for LGU-Local Communities to Promote and Protect the Rights of their Migrant Constituents.
Antipolo, 4-7 November 2013
This second community training is part of CMA’s efforts to mainstream migration to local communities and governments. Several governments agencies including, DFA, OUMWA, the NLRC and OWWA initiated dialogues to inform local communities and local governments about the relevance of migration. The workshops enabled the communities to help OFWs, their families and potential future OFWs. [

Capacity-building program for LGU’s and   local Communities to Promote and Protect the Rights of their Migrant Constituents
Zamboanga, 3-6 September 2013
CMA in cooperation with FES organized this training to mainstream migration to local communities and local governments. Various (local) government and local community organizations participated in the training. Amongst others, the following topics were addressed by the activities; OWWA’s and ARMM Human Rights Commission-Basilan satellite office ’s mandate and services, halaws illegal recruitment, trafficking and the need to prepare before migrating. P

Trainor Training for local communities on migrant rights Davao City 9 – 12 October 2014 CMA in cooperation with the Friedrich Elbert Stiftung trained local communities in Mindanao on migrant rights cases. Workshops were conducted with 22 community organizers on actual migrant cases, either pre-departure, in the country of destination and upon return. Various government agencies were invited to respond to these cases. CMA’s Executive Director explained the Philippine legal framework relating to migration, migrant contracts, Household Service Workers Package as well as recent development in Congress and other forums.

Round Table Discussion on Feminization and Migration
Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City, 7 August 2015
With support of the Friedrich Elbert Stiftung and in coordination with the Ataneo Migration Working Group the RTD to revisited the feminization of migration in the context of decent work and empowerment. Representatives from the CSO and the government discussed the particular vulnerabilities of women, the key aspect of feminization, how these impact on women migrants and a strategic agenda vis a vis feminization of migration. The presentation was provided by CMA, POEA Atty. Robert Larga, Dr. Jean Franco of the Ataneo University.

Round Table Discussion on Philippine Migration to Australia
Commission on Human Rights, Quezon City 29 November 2013
In coordination with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, CMA hosted a full day forum on Australian migration policies and domestic violence. The morning session included presentations on Australian migration policies and the amendment to the Temporary Work 457 visa, followed by a presentation about Philippine migration to Australia. The afternoon was designated for discussions on gender-based and domestic violence against Filipino women.

Workshop on Migrant Workers and their Families
Pasay City, 10 October 2013, 5 September 2013 and 12 July 2013
CMA developed training modules and conducted workshops to inform students and parents of the St. Mary’s Academy about the effects of migration on the family members of the OFWs. Through participative activities, the students and parents were taught about a wide variety of aspects  of migration. Migration does not merely affect the OFW, it has great impact on the families of OFWs and the community. The workshop in Pasay City was a continuous activity of CMA throughout the year and had different sessions

Forum with Stakeholder to Assess the 2013 OAV Exercise
Quezon City, 10 July 2013
CMA, together with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), conducted an assessment forum on the Overseas Absentee Voting exercise last election. Of the registered voters abroad, only 15.35% actually voted, the lowest turnout since the OAV exercises started in 2004. The objectives of the forum were to find out why this happened and to gather recommendations to improve the system.

A Consultation Workshop formulating NGO replies to the List Of Issues Prior to Reporting to the UN Migrant Workers Committee
Quezon City, 11 June 2013
As a periodic review, the UN Migrant Workers Committee identified a list of issues that need to be addressed by the Philippines to ensure compliance with the Migrant Workers Convention. Both the Philippine government as well as civil society are given the opportunity to formulate its own replies. This workshop organized by CMA, gathers the input of Migrant Worker NGOs and formulate Civil Society’s responses to the LOIBR.