In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government has implemented and upscaled its services to assist one of the hardest-hit sectors–the OFW sector. In this study, we explore how prepared the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) were in responding to a pandemic, and how they had adjusted to the new challenges brought by COVID-19.
Ensuring Decent Jobs for Returning Migrants in the Time of COVID-19 through Skills Matching
As the COVID-19 close in on migrants and their employment, OFWs are forced to return home and seek job opportunities. This study explore the skill set of the thousands of returning OFWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The skill set of the returning OFWs are matched with the needs of the Philippine health sector to see if decent jobs in the Philippines are available for OFWs.
This paper takes a look at the formulation, content, and the implementation of three Bilateral Labor Agreements (BLAs) between the Philippines and three countries of destination: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon all have a long history of employing migrant workers from the Philippines. Particularly during the peak of the oil industry in the Middle East region in the 1970s. Until now, these countries continue to be a top destination for migrant workers–especially migrant domestic workers from the Philippines. These labor agreements shall be assessed in how responsive they are to women migrant domestic workers’ issues and concerns, and how effective they are in actually addressing the issues and concerns they seek to resolve.
Accessibility to Social Security for Migrant Domestic Workers (2019)
The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) conducted a research on the subject of Filipino migrant domestic workers’ (MDWs) accessibility to social security both in the Philippines and while abroad in the country of destination. The study determined elements that prevent MDWs access to these benefits and programs through different Philippine social security government bodies and agencies such as the Republic of the Philippines Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG). The study was administered from April to July 2019 for a total of four (4) months. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with key informant interviews (KIIs) from the aforementioned agencies and bodies. Data was also gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Filipino MDWs who were deployed from 2008 – 2019 in Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Evaluation of 2007 Household Service Workers Policy Reform Package (2018)
This research examines the Household Service Workers Policy Reform Package of 2007
and centers on evaluating the services offered by the policy and the programmes supplementing it. Data was gathered through focus group discussions with returned migrant domestic workers and a one-on-one in depth interview with a professional from a TESDA accredited training center. The study has shown that there are gaps that need to be addressed such as issues of placement fees, training fees, underpayment, document forgery/falsification, and lack of awareness of rights. It is necessary for the policy to undergo assessment since its implementation in 2007 to fill in these gaps and ensure more protection for domestic workers.
Migrant Domestic Workers’ Access to Justice (November 2018)
The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) conducted an assessment of Filipino migrant domestic workers’ (MDW) access to justice in the Philippines. The study identified factors that hinder meaningful access to justice by returned Filipino migrant domestic workers through filing administrative cases in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and money claims in the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). The study was conducted for a total of three (3) months from August 2018-November 2o18. Information and data on Filipino MDWs from 2015 -2017 were analyzed for purposes of the research.
This report presents the findings of a research carried out by the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) in an assessment of the series of policy reforms for Filipino migrant domestic workers that have been passed in the last eight years, i.e., 2007 Household Service Workers (HSW) policy reform package, the ILO C0189, and the recent 2013 HSW bilateral agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The research and subsequent report is a follow-up to CMA’s 2011 Survey Research on the Effectiveness of the HSW Policy Reform Package. The 2011 report found that gaps existed in the implementation of the 2007 HSW reform package and that areas within it could benefit from being strengthened to better protect migrant domestic workers
Social Security for OFWs in top 10 Destination Countries
This publication surveys social protection mechanisms available for Overseas Filipino Workers in top 10 destination countries. It also recommends reforms.
December 2012
Working Paper on Overseas Migration 2011
In this paper is a discussion of the policy framework for the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA). From this, a comprehensive investigation of overseas Filipino Migration is presented.
Jun 13, 2012
Policy Paper on Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV)
The implementation of Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) is a recognition that Filipinos abroad have the same rights as all other Filipinos, and that their voices and contributions do matter. For overseas Filipinos, being able to participate in the affairs of the country, such as the electoral process, gives them a profound sense of being Filipino. They, too, are concerned about how the country is being run, about its development and about its future.
Jun 13, 2012
Policy Monitor of OWWA Charter 2011
This document is an effort to monitor, in terms of policy, the proposed Charter of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Created by a presidential letter of instruction with the intent of assisting the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in terms of welfare and training for more than three decades now.
Jun 13, 2012
Household Service Workers Policy Reform Package
This report presents the findings of the research survey conducted by the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) from March-June 2011, on the Effectiveness of the Household Service Workers (HSW) Policy Reform Package or HSW Policy in short, based on surveys conducted with 281 Filipino domestic workers deployed after the implemention of the HSW policy in 2007. A focus group discussion (FGD) was also conducted with some officers of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The study specifically looked into the profile of the migrant domestic workers (MDWs), their conditions, and their level of awareness of the HSW Policy.
Jun 13, 2012
Bilateral Labor Agreements and Social Security Agreements
The report is CMA’s initial project to better understand and closely examine processes, approaches and contents of BLAs and SSAs and their potential as effective mechanisms to enhance protection of the rights of Filipino migrant workers. We would like to share the report’s observations, analyses and recommendations to our government negotiators and policy makers, the OFWs and fellow advocates in the hopes that we can all be active stakeholders in initiating, developing, and negotiating human rights-based, gender-sensitive BLAs and SSAs.
Dec 01, 2010 Philippines
The Philippines- A Global Model on Labor Migration?
Oct 01, 2009
In essence, this publication is a companion, geared primarily for both Government and Civil Society actors’ reference in obtaining a comprehensive account of the enjoyment of the rights of migrant workers and their families as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and elaborated in the Convention.
Jan 05, 2009
A Report on Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking
A Report on Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking is a joint project of Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines (CMA) and Mujeres Inc. Women United for Justice and Equiality toward a Responsive and Empowered Society and was funded by the South East Asian Committee on Advocacy (SEACA)
We Encourage reproduction of this report without prior authorization. Please inform the CMA Secretariat amd MUJERES, Inc. of its use.
Dec 05, 2007
The 4th AJG Forum Series for year 2007: A Round Table Discussion on The Effectiveness of Migrant Workers’ Education and Information was held last December 7, 2007 at the Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
Sixty four members and officers of major stakeholders – from government, local and international migrant rights advocacy groups, trade unions, academe, church-based groups, members of media and migrants themselves participated in the discussions.
Dec 01, 2007
The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), in partnership with the YMCA Philippines, YMCA Baguio, the City Government of Baguio, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) held a forum on “A Call to Action: No to Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking” on September 14 at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Session Hall in Baguio City. This is the third installment of CMA’s 2007 series for the Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Advocacy Forum. The participants included officers and representatives of the Baguio City council, media, migrant-concerned NGOs and church-based groups based in the region and members and leaders of the barangay councils.
Oct 30, 2007
Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Forum II, Year 4 %22DemocratizationThrough Migration%22
On 29 July 2008, the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation (FES), in cooperation with the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute for Socio-Cultural Research in Germany (ABI), organized the 2nd Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Advocacy Forum Series in Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City. The forum is a joint effort by the CMA and FES in further generating discourse on migration-related issues in the Philippines.
This forum featured the initial findings of the study “Democratization through Migration?” undertaken by Dr. Christl Kessler and Mr. Stefan Rother for the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute for Socio-Cultural Research in Germany. The main intent of presenting the researchers’ primary results was to obtain inputs from a Filipino audience with vast experiences and knowledge in the intersecting issues of migration, economics and politics. All comments and suggestions will be factored in for an enhanced analysis and a more substantiated set of results for the study.
Oct 17, 2008
Final Statement of Task Force on the ASEAN Migrant Workers
On September 24, 2007, a national consultation was convened in Manila by the Task Force in ASEAN Migrant Workers. This was the 4th country-based consultation, following Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The consultation produced a Manila Statement that contains two sets of recommendations –one for the ASEAN body as a collective and one for the Philippine government on the ways to move forward the commitment to promote and protect the human rights of overseas Filipino migrant workers and their families as well as the other migrant workers in ASEAN. The Manila Statement was submitted to the ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment. It will also be submitted to the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA).
Sep 24, 2007
Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Forum II, Year 3
The Second Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Advocacy Forum Series 2007: “Promoting and Fulfilling the Human Rights of Migrants: Revisiting RA 8042 and Beyond” was held last June 29, 2007 at the University Hotel, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
The Forum drew the participation of 62 officers and representatives of the executive and legislative branches of government, non-government organizations concerned with migrant issues, as well as those of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Aug 30, 2007
Karapatang ng mga Manggagawa sa Israel
Ang mga sumusunod na karapatan ay ginagarantiyahan ng batas ng Israel para sa lahat ng manggagawa sa Israel, Israeli man o dayuhan, ligal man o di rehistrado.
Aug 01, 2007
As a country, the Philippines is the largest single contributor to the world’s merchant fleet. Despite perceived competition from other supply states, the numbers of Filipino seafarers onboard are increasing. Shipping companies appreciate the general character of Filipinos and their linguistic and professional abilities.
Mar 15, 2007
Dr. Albert Ganapin To Address the Needs of Families Abandoned by Overseas Filipino Workers 2006
In 1999, POEA recorded 1,439 abandoned families; in 2000, the figure stood at 1,344 . While the figures may not yet speak of a critical situation, the fact that more than a thousand families had reported their abandoned situation with the POEA does not augur well in light of the declared intent of labor migration in favor of the family: a way out of poverty and a way towards a better future for everyone.
Mar 16, 2007
Mar 01, 2007
AJG Forum 2 for 2006-%22OFWs, Irregular Migration and Trafficking%22
CMA, FES and Mujeres in Zamboanga organized the second AJG Advocacy Forum on OFWs, Irregular Migration and Trafficking on July 26, 2006 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.
The forum focused on migration through and from Mindanao –both regular and irregular. It addressed the following questions: How does migration impact on Mindanawons specially the women, their families and the island as a whole. What is their situation and the problems they confront? How extensive are illegal recruitment, trafficking and undocumented migrants? How does government address overseas migration and the problems it entails?
ERRATUM:
The photos of Police Chief Inspector Ronald Añonuevo of the Philippine Council on Transnational Crime and Atty. Alejandre Diaz, Director of Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch of the POEA, which appear on pages 16 and 18 were inadvertently exchanged. Our deepest apologies for this error.
Feb 05, 2007
This paper takes a look at the formulation, content, and the implementation of three Bilateral Labor Agreements (BLAs) between the Philippines and three countries of destination: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon all have a long history of employing migrant workers from the Philippines. Particularly during the peak of the oil industry in the Middle East region in the 1970s. Until now, these countries continue to be a top destination for migrant workers–especially migrant domestic workers from the Philippines. These labor agreements shall be assessed in how responsive they are to women migrant domestic workers’ issues and concerns, and how effective they are in actually addressing the issues and concerns they seek to resolve.
Through the Years – Trends in Filipino Migrant Domestic Workers’ Complaints from 2016-2018 (2019)
This paper explores how experiences of Filipino migrant domestic workers from 2016-2018. The study’s unit of analysis is CMA’s direct assistance cases. The findings show that there has been little change in the experiences of Filipina migrant domestic workers from 2016-2018 and the years prior. There is also little change in the countries of destination where abuses, exploitation, and violation of human rights occur. They are mostly still reported to be experience by migrant domestic workers in the Middle East.
Accessibility to Social Security for Migrant Domestic Workers (2019)
The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) conducted a research on the subject of Filipino migrant domestic workers’ (MDWs) accessibility to social security both in the Philippines and while abroad in the country of destination. The study determined elements that prevent MDWs access to these benefits and programs through different Philippine social security government bodies and agencies such as the Republic of the Philippines Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG). The study was administered from April to July 2019 for a total of four (4) months. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with key informant interviews (KIIs) from the aforementioned agencies and bodies. Data was also gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Filipino MDWs who were deployed from 2008 – 2019 in Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Evaluation of 2007 Household Service Workers Policy Reform Package (2018)
This research examines the Household Service Workers Policy Reform Package of 2007
and centers on evaluating the services offered by the policy and the programmes supplementing it. Data was gathered through focus group discussions with returned migrant domestic workers and a one-on-one in depth interview with a professional from a TESDA accredited training center. The study has shown that there are gaps that need to be addressed such as issues of placement fees, training fees, underpayment, document forgery/falsification, and lack of awareness of rights. It is necessary for the policy to undergo assessment since its implementation in 2007 to fill in these gaps and ensure more protection for domestic workers.
Migrant Domestic Workers’ Access to Justice (November 2018)
The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) conducted an assessment of Filipino migrant domestic workers’ (MDW) access to justice in the Philippines. The study identified factors that hinder meaningful access to justice by returned Filipino migrant domestic workers through filing administrative cases in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and money claims in the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). The study was conducted for a total of three (3) months from August 2018-November 2o18. Information and data on Filipino MDWs from 2015 -2017 were analyzed for purposes of the research.
This report presents the findings of a research carried out by the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) in an assessment of the series of policy reforms for Filipino migrant domestic workers that have been passed in the last eight years, i.e., 2007 Household Service Workers (HSW) policy reform package, the ILO C0189, and the recent 2013 HSW bilateral agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The research and subsequent report is a follow-up to CMA’s 2011 Survey Research on the Effectiveness of the HSW Policy Reform Package. The 2011 report found that gaps existed in the implementation of the 2007 HSW reform package and that areas within it could benefit from being strengthened to better protect migrant domestic workers
Social Security for OFWs in top 10 Destination Countries
This publication surveys social protection mechanisms available for Overseas Filipino Workers in top 10 destination countries. It also recommends reforms.
December 2012
Working Paper on Overseas Migration 2011
In this paper is a discussion of the policy framework for the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA). From this, a comprehensive investigation of overseas Filipino Migration is presented.
Jun 13, 2012
Policy Paper on Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV)
The implementation of Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) is a recognition that Filipinos abroad have the same rights as all other Filipinos, and that their voices and contributions do matter. For overseas Filipinos, being able to participate in the affairs of the country, such as the electoral process, gives them a profound sense of being Filipino. They, too, are concerned about how the country is being run, about its development and about its future.
Jun 13, 2012
Policy Monitor of OWWA Charter 2011
This document is an effort to monitor, in terms of policy, the proposed Charter of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Created by a presidential letter of instruction with the intent of assisting the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in terms of welfare and training for more than three decades now.
Jun 13, 2012
Household Service Workers Policy Reform Package
This report presents the findings of the research survey conducted by the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) from March-June 2011, on the Effectiveness of the Household Service Workers (HSW) Policy Reform Package or HSW Policy in short, based on surveys conducted with 281 Filipino domestic workers deployed after the implemention of the HSW policy in 2007. A focus group discussion (FGD) was also conducted with some officers of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The study specifically looked into the profile of the migrant domestic workers (MDWs), their conditions, and their level of awareness of the HSW Policy.
Jun 13, 2012
Bilateral Labor Agreements and Social Security Agreements
The report is CMA’s initial project to better understand and closely examine processes, approaches and contents of BLAs and SSAs and their potential as effective mechanisms to enhance protection of the rights of Filipino migrant workers. We would like to share the report’s observations, analyses and recommendations to our government negotiators and policy makers, the OFWs and fellow advocates in the hopes that we can all be active stakeholders in initiating, developing, and negotiating human rights-based, gender-sensitive BLAs and SSAs.
Dec 01, 2010 Philippines
The Philippines- A Global Model on Labor Migration?
Oct 01, 2009
In essence, this publication is a companion, geared primarily for both Government and Civil Society actors’ reference in obtaining a comprehensive account of the enjoyment of the rights of migrant workers and their families as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and elaborated in the Convention.
Jan 05, 2009
A Report on Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking
A Report on Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking is a joint project of Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines (CMA) and Mujeres Inc. Women United for Justice and Equiality toward a Responsive and Empowered Society and was funded by the South East Asian Committee on Advocacy (SEACA)
We Encourage reproduction of this report without prior authorization. Please inform the CMA Secretariat amd MUJERES, Inc. of its use.
Dec 05, 2007
The 4th AJG Forum Series for year 2007: A Round Table Discussion on The Effectiveness of Migrant Workers’ Education and Information was held last December 7, 2007 at the Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
Sixty four members and officers of major stakeholders – from government, local and international migrant rights advocacy groups, trade unions, academe, church-based groups, members of media and migrants themselves participated in the discussions.
Dec 01, 2007
The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), in partnership with the YMCA Philippines, YMCA Baguio, the City Government of Baguio, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) held a forum on “A Call to Action: No to Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking” on September 14 at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Session Hall in Baguio City. This is the third installment of CMA’s 2007 series for the Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Advocacy Forum. The participants included officers and representatives of the Baguio City council, media, migrant-concerned NGOs and church-based groups based in the region and members and leaders of the barangay councils.
Oct 30, 2007
Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Forum II, Year 4 %22DemocratizationThrough Migration%22
On 29 July 2008, the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation (FES), in cooperation with the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute for Socio-Cultural Research in Germany (ABI), organized the 2nd Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Advocacy Forum Series in Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City. The forum is a joint effort by the CMA and FES in further generating discourse on migration-related issues in the Philippines.
This forum featured the initial findings of the study “Democratization through Migration?” undertaken by Dr. Christl Kessler and Mr. Stefan Rother for the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute for Socio-Cultural Research in Germany. The main intent of presenting the researchers’ primary results was to obtain inputs from a Filipino audience with vast experiences and knowledge in the intersecting issues of migration, economics and politics. All comments and suggestions will be factored in for an enhanced analysis and a more substantiated set of results for the study.
Oct 17, 2008
Final Statement of Task Force on the ASEAN Migrant Workers
On September 24, 2007, a national consultation was convened in Manila by the Task Force in ASEAN Migrant Workers. This was the 4th country-based consultation, following Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The consultation produced a Manila Statement that contains two sets of recommendations –one for the ASEAN body as a collective and one for the Philippine government on the ways to move forward the commitment to promote and protect the human rights of overseas Filipino migrant workers and their families as well as the other migrant workers in ASEAN. The Manila Statement was submitted to the ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment. It will also be submitted to the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA).
Sep 24, 2007
Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Forum II, Year 3
The Second Dr. Alfredo J. Ganapin Advocacy Forum Series 2007: “Promoting and Fulfilling the Human Rights of Migrants: Revisiting RA 8042 and Beyond” was held last June 29, 2007 at the University Hotel, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
The Forum drew the participation of 62 officers and representatives of the executive and legislative branches of government, non-government organizations concerned with migrant issues, as well as those of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Aug 30, 2007
Karapatang ng mga Manggagawa sa Israel
Ang mga sumusunod na karapatan ay ginagarantiyahan ng batas ng Israel para sa lahat ng manggagawa sa Israel, Israeli man o dayuhan, ligal man o di rehistrado.
Aug 01, 2007
As a country, the Philippines is the largest single contributor to the world’s merchant fleet. Despite perceived competition from other supply states, the numbers of Filipino seafarers onboard are increasing. Shipping companies appreciate the general character of Filipinos and their linguistic and professional abilities.
Mar 15, 2007
Dr. Albert Ganapin To Address the Needs of Families Abandoned by Overseas Filipino Workers 2006
In 1999, POEA recorded 1,439 abandoned families; in 2000, the figure stood at 1,344 . While the figures may not yet speak of a critical situation, the fact that more than a thousand families had reported their abandoned situation with the POEA does not augur well in light of the declared intent of labor migration in favor of the family: a way out of poverty and a way towards a better future for everyone.
Mar 16, 2007
Mar 01, 2007
AJG Forum 2 for 2006-%22OFWs, Irregular Migration and Trafficking%22
CMA, FES and Mujeres in Zamboanga organized the second AJG Advocacy Forum on OFWs, Irregular Migration and Trafficking on July 26, 2006 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.
The forum focused on migration through and from Mindanao –both regular and irregular. It addressed the following questions: How does migration impact on Mindanawons specially the women, their families and the island as a whole. What is their situation and the problems they confront? How extensive are illegal recruitment, trafficking and undocumented migrants? How does government address overseas migration and the problems it entails?
ERRATUM:
The photos of Police Chief Inspector Ronald Añonuevo of the Philippine Council on Transnational Crime and Atty. Alejandre Diaz, Director of Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch of the POEA, which appear on pages 16 and 18 were inadvertently exchanged. Our deepest apologies for this error.
Feb 05, 2007
Center for Migrant Advocacy 