MAKATI CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) recently participated in the Stakeholder Validation and Consultation Workshop for the drafting of the Labor Migrant Management Plan (LaMMP) 2026–2028, organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The workshop was held on 20–21 November 2025 at Herald Suites, Chino Roces, Makati City.

The two-day workshop convened representatives from government agencies, labor organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders to review and refine the draft LaMMP. ILS was represented by Ms. Jan Danielle R. Bondad and Mr. Jun Karlo T. Laroza.

The workshop served as a venue to present, discuss, and validate the draft plan by gathering stakeholder feedback on its rationale, analytical framework, vision, goals, outcomes, and strategies. Participants also proposed enhancements to strengthen the plan’s impact and effectiveness, recommended implementation processes, and identified roles for monitoring, evaluation, and future updates.

In her opening remarks, Atty. Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio, Director IV of DMW’s Strategic Planning and Management Service, emphasized the importance of tripartite collaboration and stakeholder engagement in strengthening programs for overseas Filipino workers and their families. She highlighted the need to address operational issues, policy gaps, and information dissemination challenges, while exploring opportunities for collaboration to improve overseas employment governance.

Before the workshop sessions, Mr. Rex Varona, DMW consultant, presented the draft LaMMP. Participants were then divided into groups to analyze the Plan’s strategic pillars, provide outputs for each subsection, and share insights to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive plan.

The event concluded with remarks from Ms. Yuko Tomita, Programme Manager and National Project Officer of IOM Philippines, who noted that the discussions provided valuable perspectives on current challenges, best practices, and areas for improvement, grounded in real-life experiences of migrant workers.

The release of the LaMMP will coincide with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026 and the upcoming International Migration Review Forum under the Global Compact for Migration, reaffirming the country’s commitment to global initiatives that protect and empower Filipino migrant workers and their families worldwide.

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