Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac is pushing for an anti-violence and harassment-free workplace as the government observes the National Women’s Month 2025.

The Secretary encouraged the DMW management to revisit existing rules on anti-violence and harassment and apply the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 or the Convention on Violence and Harassment Convention in the workplace.

The C190 is the first international treaty to recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

Implementing the ILO C190 is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. call for a collective action towards innovative solutions for women empowerment as well as meaningful results for gender equality.

“Perhaps we could revisit our existing rules and how we could apply C-190 on our own.” Secretary Cacdac said.

This was after the visit of Ms. Manuela Tomei, the Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights, and Dialogue of the ILO, who highlighted the significance of domestic workers protection and anti-violence and harassment in the workplace.

“Gawin na natin ang paraan na ma-infuse sa ating mga rules and regulations sa anti-violence and harassment in the workplace. Dito mismo sa DMW should be free from violence and harassment,” Secretary Cacdac insisted.

Afterwards, the Secretary led the launching of the GAD Corner in the lobby of DMW Building, featuring eight outstanding women OFWs in an exhibit called “Inspiring OFW Women” as part of the observance of the Women’s Month.

The DMW also prepared a monthlong series of activities to highlight the contributions of OFW women including a OFW Women’s Bazaar, awarding of beneficiaries of Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program, pre-employment seminar for female cadets,and the launching of Susan V. Ople Labor Migration and Development Resource Center.

The DMW, through its OFW Hospital has also set up its mini clinic at the lobby to provide free medical services, including basic health consultation, blood pressure and blood sugar check-up, to OFWs and DMW employees in celebration of the Women’s Month.