PH top diplomat pushes for continuous action to protect migrants

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro delivers the Philippine statement for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) High-Level Event at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Sept. 22, 2025. The gathering was co-convened by the Philippines. (Photo: @DFAPHL/X)

MANILA – The Philippines pushed for a sustained collective action towards the protection of migrants across the world, citing the continuous risks besetting the sector.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made the call during the International Organization for Migration (IOM) High-Level Event at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Sept. 22.

“Solidarity is critical. Migration is being challenged by divisive, exclusionary and outright xenophobic tendencies. These not only harm migrants and their families but also restrict the gains of migration for countries of origin and destination,” she said.

The Philippines is among the leading countries to champion safe migration, having adopted the landmark international deal for migrants or the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in 2018.

After its adoption, the Philippines was quick to incorporate its principles in its domestic laws and established its newest department dedicated solely for the welfare of Filipino workers overseas— the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

“As GCM Champions and partners for progress, we have compelling stories to tell: to quell hate and intolerance where they arise, to highlight the human dimension of migration and recognize how migration has historically enriched our societies. In this endeavor, you can always count on the Philippines’ commitment,” Lazaro said.

“There is much left to be done, but also many opportunities for us to harness our collective voices and actions to protect migrants and enjoy the benefits they bring to development.”

Based on the latest data from the UN, the number of international migrants had already nearly doubled to 304 million in 2024 from the estimated 154 million in 1990.

The high-level gathering was co-convened by the Philippines. Joining Lazaro in representing the Philippines was DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.