PRESS RELEASE
WDC-10-2026
09 March 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an activity that marked International Women’s Day and National Women’s month in the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office welcomed OFWs to a day-long program on March 7.
Labor Attache Saul De Vries welcomed the participants and underscored the dynamic cooperation among community members and the role of the Department of Migrant Workers in the promotion of women’s rights and labor rights, regardless of a person’s immigration status.
Deputy Chief of Mission Felipe Cariño III mentioned the special role of women OFWs in society-building, even as modern day challenges, like exploitation and economic displacement, confront them. Government and the community should play a role in advancing women’s rights as human rights, and, beyond acknowledging the underlying issues, secure change through international agreements and multi-sectoral cooperation to uplift and empower women, he added.
About 50 kababayan participated in activities that were arranged in cooperation with community partners for the protection and promotion of the health and welfare of female OFWs. These included a cancer awareness session conducted by cancer warriors Ms. Cherry Somes and Ms. Josie Ziman of Filipino American Cancer Care, followed by a session on financial education led by Ms. Jessica Palmiano-Bellota, and an introduction to basics of Jiu jitsu by Mr. Grant Tran and his team from Calo Terra Academy, in cooperation with the office of Police Attache, General Moises Villaceran, Jr.
The event also featured a tribute to migrant women in the Marilag Awards: Women of Inspiration which featured four kababayan who embodied Filipina grace, public service, and charity as they served their communities in the Caribbean islands and the Philippines.
Throughout the year, the Embassy and MWO actively engages with community members in the promotion of migrant rights and welfare through activities that empower members promote a dynamic diaspora, and ignite meaningful interaction between and among community members on critical issues and current events.
