Philippines
The Government of the Philippines established Republic Act 8042 to affirm the fundamental equality of women in building the country. Through this act, the government is implementing a policy to recognise the contributions of women migrant workers overseas and their particular vulnerabilities. This includes the use of gender-reponsive criteria in policy planning related to migrant workers and the composition of political bodies tasked to oversee migrant welfare. It also includes the establishment of a resource centre for migrant workers to give training and services in gender-sensitive programs and activities. These changes will work to assist the special needs of women migrant workers.
Theme: Violence and Vulnerabilities
GCM Objective: 7, 14
The Government of the Philippines, working with the Trade Union Congress (TUCP) and various NGOs, is providing better protection for migrant workers, especially domestic workers, through gender-responsive data collection. TUCP collects data and addresses issues related to women migrant workers, such as sexual violence and health. These groups have also created a centre for migrant workers returning to and leaving the Philippines, including giving training sessions informing migrants of their rights and giving foreign contacts.
Theme: Migration Data and Registration
GCM Objective: 1, 15
The Government of the Philippines has developed a large network of labour offices in foreign countries to administer and enforce labour migrant protections, especially for women. There are currently 34 offices providing services to labour migrants around the world. These offices develop infrastructure to provide protection for migrant workers abroad.
Theme: Social Protection, Rights and Services
GCM Objective: 7, 14, 15
The Government of the Philippines adopted the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act to guarantee protection of migrant workers, especially women, through certification, penalising illegal recruitment and providing free access to skill-building and livelihood programs. The Philippines is working on various fronts for the protection of migrant workers, especially domestic workers, including through deploying female personnel to overseas labour offices and installing gender focal point officers at its consulates and embassies.