Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo (5th from left) and other ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Ministers show their solidarity at the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Meeting opening ceremony.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo underscored the welfare of migrant workers as among the important issues which should be brought to the attention of leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in her message during the  17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) Meeting held from March 6-9 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City.

“The Philippines is hopeful that with our collaborative efforts, the ASEAN Instrument to Implement the ASEAN Declaration for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers will be finalized in time for the 30th ASEAN Leaders Summit. The follow through document to the Cebu Declaration manifests the consensus of the ASEAN to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers,” Sec. Taguiwalo stated.

In her previous statements, Sec. Taguiwalo expressed that there are many urgent concerns that the ASEAN should address because they have a direct impact and effect on the welfare of ordinary working  citizens in various Asian countries.

“Take for instance the issue of migrant workers. The main goal of pushing for economic progress should always be to improve the standards and quality of life of all citizens. Because of poverty and lack of employment opportunities, our citizens leave our countries to find work overseas – and many stay within the boundaries of the ASEAN. It is crucial to discuss the status of migrant workers in the different member-states of the ASEAN and to ascertain their conditions.  As one community, we should work together to ensure that all our citizens working in other member-states are protected, and their labor rights recognized and respected,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

“Our collective efforts are needed in the ASEAN to support reforms that will enable migrant workers to find safe, legal, and decent work and to work in dignity and with the support not only of the government of their home countries, but also of the government of their host countries. Let us protect all migrant workers and treat them as we would our own citizens when they are in need,” she reiterated.

Another concern is recognizing the important role of the civil service for enhanced cross-sectoral and cross-pillar cooperation.

“Under the goal of having a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, we fervently anticipate your full support towards the endorsement of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Role of Civil Service as Catalyst for Achieving ASEAN Community Vision 2025, for signing of Leaders in the 30th Summit,” she added.

The said documents are among those to be endorsed to ASEAN Leaders during their Summit.

“The Philippines is honored to assume the Chairpersonship of the ASEAN, on the occasion of its 50th or golden founding anniversary. We have chosen “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World” as our theme and have laid out six thematic priorities to achieve holistic growth, and development,”  the DSWD Chief said.

The six thematic areas include: A people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, Peace and stability in the region, Maritime security and cooperation, Inclusive, innovation-led growth, ASEAN’s resiliency and ASEAN: A model of regionalism, a global player.

Sec. Taguiwalo also acknowledged the immense work and collaborative efforts of the Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) Leaders in ensuring that the outcome documents are thoroughly reviewed before reaching the ASCC Council, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment and unwavering support. ###

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo (5th from left) and other ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Ministers show their solidarity at the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Meeting opening ceremony.