The Center for Migrant Advocacy, Philippines, Inc. (CMA), in close partnership with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), conducted a Workshop on Resource Mobilization: Shaping Local Migration Governance Towards the Empowerment of Migrants and Families on October 21-22, 2025 at the Digital Transformation Center, Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur.
The two-day workshop gathered representatives and focal persons from various municipal and city PESOs, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Family Circle (OFC) organizations, and non-government organizations working on migrant welfare in the province. Participants engaged in discussions and forums on the rights, protection, and socio-economic empowerment of migrant workers and their families.
“Sobrang importante po nitong workshop kasi nalalaman namin agad ‘yung mga polisiya na makakatulong sa amin. Natutunan po namin ‘yung mga legal matters—kung sino, saan, at anong tulong po ang pwede naming ilapit sa kanila,” shared Imelda Barrameda, President of Canaman OFC. Barrameda, often the “go-to tanungan” in her barangay for those aspiring to work abroad, emphasized the importance of being well-informed and updated on migrant welfare issues.
Recognizing their roles as the primary points of contact for community members, they were encouraged to deepen their understanding of both active and returning OFWs in their localities. By examining the specific needs and conditions of their migrant communities, they were able to craft programs that address the socio-economic and livelihood challenges faced by migrants and their families.
The workshop also aimed to build the capacity of local organizations to institutionalize regular community assessments, develop viable reintegration and livelihood initiatives, and support sustainable programs for inactive OFWs who remain active members of migrant organizations. They also explored strategies to strengthen family reunification support for returning OFWs, ensuring that migration governance at the local level is inclusive, data-informed, and empowering.
“Isa rin talaga sa goal ko bilang presidente ay maibaba ang mga programa at services ng iba’t ibang government agencies, LGUs, at iba pang organizations sa mga members namin sa Canaman para masiguro na ‘di sila mapag-iiwanan,” added Barrameda. She also shared that, beyond monthly meetings and check-ins, their group plans to craft proposals for submission to various government agencies to further support their members.
Under the leadership of Governor Lray Villafuerte, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur remains steadfast in developing programs and partnerships that promote inclusive, socio-economic, and sustainable support for its people—particularly for migrant workers and their families.
