DMW Highlights Skills Development and Worker Protections at the Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to protecting and empowering migrant workers as Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac joined labor leaders from around the world at the Third Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) on January 26, 2026, held at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the theme “Future in Progress,” the high-level conference hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) brought together labor ministers and senior officials from over 120 countries to address urgent labor market issues, emerging trends, and policy innovations shaping the future of work.

Secretary Cacdac emphasized the increasing importance of investing in people and partnerships, highlighting that “skills development and sustained dialogue are no longer optional—they are essential.” DMW’s participation demonstrates its active role in global labor cooperation, promoting policies that protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers while supporting skills development, upskilling, human dignity, and decent work for all, including domestic workers. Secretary Cacdac was accompanied by DMW Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr., Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan, DMW Assistant Secretary Julyn Ambito Fermin, and Labor Attachés assigned in Saudi Arabia—Dominador A. Salanga, Fidel A. Macauyag, and Solaiman C. Mutia.