1st Migration & Development Plan launched in PHL Returning migrant workers to benefit from ILO partnership with local governments, multi-stakeholders
The ILO Country Office for the Philippines (CO-Manila), through its European Union-supported Return and Reintegration Project, has partnered with the local government of La Union Province and other sectors which has produced the Philippines’ first-ever Migration and Development Strategic Plan.
The ILO Country Office for the Philippines (CO-Manila), through its European Union-supported ILO-EEC Return and Reintegration Project Going Back-Moving On: Economic and Social Empowerment of Migrants including Victims of Trafficking Returned from the EU and its Neighbouring Countries Project, has partnered with the local government of La Union Province and other sectors which has produced the Philippines’ first-ever Migration and Development Strategic Plan.
Anchored on inclusive and sustained growth as the central theme, the Plan seeks to reduce poverty by focusing on economic opportunities, such as promotion of entrepreneurship among overseas Filipinos that can draw individuals and families into the economic and social mainstream.
CO-Manila Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson, in his Opening address at the Provincial Summit on Migration and Development and Launch of the Provincial Migration and Development Plan , said that “Laws protecting migrants from illegal recruitment and trafficking should be fully implemented, while the vulnerability of workers, specifically women migrant workers should be addressed.”
The Plan’s targets are set to be achieved by 2016, with the collaboration and cooperation of national and local migration stakeholders, under the leadership of the La Union LGU, and Project partner Kanlungan Centre Foundation, Inc. Preparations are underway to replicate the Plan in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Ilocos Norte.