26 August 2005 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo said the Department will seek the introduction of stronger measures to protect Filipinos working as household helpers here and abroad during the First National Domestic Workers Summit to be held in Marikina City from 21 to 23 September 2005.

“The DFA recognizes the need to provide greater protection and enhancement of the welfare of domestic workers here and abroad, since the provision of assistance to nationals is considered to be the third pillar of the Philippines’ foreign policy,” Secretary Romulo stressed as the Department prepares for the holding of this Summit.   The DFA joins the Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, International Labor Organization (ILO), Visayan Forum and other government and people’s organizations as partners in this first national convention on behalf of the domestic worker sector.  Executive Director Pedro Chan of the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) will represent the DFA.

Secretary Romulo said the DFA, through the efficient monitoring of its foreign service posts worldwide, is very much aware of the vulnerabilities that Filipino overseas workers face abroad.  “With the many cases of abuse by agencies and employers reported by our various posts overseas, the DFA sees the urgent need to elevate the level of discussion and create a venue for constructive engagement among domestic workers, employers associations, government and other social partners,” the Secretary added.

According to the database of the Assistance to Nationals Division of OUMWA, domestic workers make up a large percentage of Overseas Filipino Workers. The most recent ILO study has estimated that in 2002 alone, domestic workers accounted for 22% of newly hired OFWs. The Department notes that the demand abroad for Filipino domestic workers has been sustained over the years, so much so that the future composition of domestic workers is expected to remain significant.

Secretary Romulo emphasized that the government acknowledges the economic contribution of all OFWs.   “Our domestic workers, through their leaders and advocates, call for more responsive national policies and programs. The National Summit serves as a vehicle that will harmonize all opinions and elicit realistic recommendations and plans from the government, workers and other social partners.”

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to deliver the closing address at the last day of the National Domestic Workers Summit focusing on a heightened commitment from the government to support and protect domestic workers. END