The Department of Migrant Workers welcomed on Friday the signing of Executive Order number 51 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. titled "Strengthening the Government's Diversity and Inclusion Program."

"At the core of the Department's mandate is the protection and promotion of the welfare of overseas Filipinos," said DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac.

"We recognize that diversity and inclusion are essential principles for ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of background, experience, or circumstance, can thrive. This includes our migrant workers, who make invaluable contributions to the Philippine economy and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in their workplaces abroad," he stressed.

The initiatives on strengthening the Diversity and Inclusion Program, restructuring the Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, and establishing the Special Committee on Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Affairs are outlined in a five-page executive order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 22 December.

Marcos underscored the importance of reinforcing the DIP and restructuring its Inter-Agency Committee to ensure the country's ongoing compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

For its part, the DMW said, "Executive Order No. 51 aligns with the Department's vision of a truly inclusive Philippine society, where migrant workers are not only valued for their remittances, but also recognized as integral members of our national identity, and partners in shaping our nation's destiny. The Order's emphasis on accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and equal opportunities resonates with our efforts to empower our migrant workers and equip them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in their chosen fields during the entirety of their labor journey,"

"This Council, with its representation from various sectors, including migrant worker organizations, will serve as a crucial platform for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed at the highest levels," the department added.

Meanwhile, the 14th batch of repatriates from Israel comprising 21 caregivers arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 via PAL 737 on Friday at 11:15 p.m. The DMW provided immediate financial assistance worth P50,000 to each OFW returning from Israel, along with comprehensive reintegration assistance and job facilitation services for other employment opportunities.

Aside from the financial assistance from the DMW, each OFW also received P50,000 from OWWA, P20,000 in livelihood assistance from DSWD, P5,000 from TESDA and welcome gift packs.