MANILA - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is actively pursuing a partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to enhance the protection of Filipino seasonal farm workers in South Korea. This initiative comes in the wake of 40 complaints received from workers deployed under the agreements between local government units (LGUs) in South Korea and the Philippines. The DMW Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, in an online press briefing on Friday, highlighted these issues.
According to Philippines News Agency, the affected workers possess valid working visas but did not undergo the standard DMW process. The complaints primarily concern labor-related issues, such as working conditions and unpaid salaries. The Migrant Workers Office in South Korea is currently addressing these cases. Talks between the DMW and DILG, led by Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., aim to formulate a joint circular on the deployment of Filipino seasonal workers. This measure is intended to ensure better protection and prevent exploitation and abuse of Filipino migrant workers. Undersecretary Cacdac emphasized the importance of processing these workers through the DMW to facilitate better monitoring and support of their contracts and overall welfare.