GOVPH

            Philippine government officials shared best practices with regional counterparts in a workshop on marriage migration and counter-trafficking in persons. Organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the workshop took place in Beijing from 12 to 13 September.

            Deputy Chief of Mission Francisco Noel Fernandez III joined DFA Passport Director Ricarte Abejuela III, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Officer-in-Charge Maria Regina Galias, Bureau of Immigration Travel Control Deputy Director German Robin, and CFO Division Chief Ivy Miravelles in sharing the experiences of the Philippines in protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos who marry foreign nationals and reside overseas.

            The participants were senior officials from law enforcement, immigration, and diplomatic services from Cambodia, Lao PDR, People's Republic of China, and Viet Nam.

            The Philippines is a strong advocate for the promotion and protection of the rights of migrants and its efforts in this regard have been lauded by both international organizations and foreign governments. For its part, the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa has scheduled regular training of its personnel in combating human trafficking to ensure their competence in protecting Filipinos in Canada.

Deputy Chief of Mission Francisco Noel Fernandez (4th from left) and resource speakers from the Philippines with officials from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.