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| The IBP and DMW officers agreed to sign a MOA after lengthy discussions |
In a landmark move, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Department of Migrant Workers have agreed to collaborate in providing legal protection and expanded access to justice for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
IBP National President Alan G. Panolong and DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac met Tuesday, July 8, to finalize a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that they are set to sign before the end of the month.
The MOA aims to establish mechanisms for sustained knowledge sharing, capacity building, and legal aid initiatives between the IBP and DMW.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
It will enable both organizations to jointly conduct training, seminars, and legal assistance programs to ensure OFWs have substantive and accessible legal support wherever they may be in the world.
Panolong, who assumed his IBP post only this month, led a delegation from the national lawyers’ group and emphasized the importance of providing legal assistance to Filipino migrant workers.
“This partnership is part of our shared commitment to elevate service and empower progress by ensuring that no Filipino is denied access to justice—no matter the distance,” said Panolong. “We are hitting the ground running because our OFWs deserve no less.”
Secretary Cacdac welcomed the initiative and expressed strong support for the collaboration. He also emphasized the need to provide comprehensive protection to OFWs, particularly those who meet legal challenges abroad.
He was joined in the meeting by Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, Asst Secretary Jerome Alcantara, Dir. Geraldine Mendez, Dir. Maria Bernardine Madamba, and their respective teams.
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| Leaders of the 2 groups pose for photo after the meeting |
The IBP delegation also included Governors Elena Go Francisco (Greater Manila Region) and Quirino G. Esguerra, Jr. (Western Mindanao Region) and officers of the National Center for Legal Aid (NCLA) led by its director Pitero M. Reig, overall deputy director Manuel Joseph B. Ibañez III and deputy director for migrant workers Dan Joseph T. Cruz.
