Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 12 August 2010

On 12 August 2010, the Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) in collaboration with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) held a policy summit with the involvement of representatives from national government agencies, particularly those directly responsible for migration and development policies. A special Executive Summary of the MAPID project was prepared for the event. Such document served as background paper for the discussion. The event gathered more than 70 representatives from the different sectors. During the summit the book Transnational Bridges was officially launched and distributed to the participants. The Summit was characterized by dialogue and exchange with the various stakeholders. The summit served not only to disseminate highlights and recommendations of the MAPID Project, but also to discover new partners and new developments in the institutions which had been part of the MAPID Project in the earlier phases.

The MAPID Policy Summit coincided with the start of a new government. In all the fora, expectations ran high for a possible policy breakthrough in migration and development under the Aquino-led government. The Aquino government inherited the latest amendments to RA 8042. On 13 August 2010, just a day after the policy summit, Republic Act No. 10022,38 came into effect. Several provisions in RA 10022 provide a basis for reinforcing the migration and development agenda in the Philippines:

• The proposal to strengthen the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers is supported by Sec. 10 (amended Sec. 17 of RA 8042), which provides for the establishment of the Center,39 and Sec. 11 (amended Sec. 18 of RA 8042), which defines and expands its functions. Among others, the Center is tasked to “[d] develop and support programs for livelihood, entrepreneurship, savings, investments and financial literacy for returning Filipino migrant workers and their families in coordination with relevant stakeholders, service providers and international organizations;” and “[c]oordinate with appropriate stakeholders, service providers and relevant international organizations for the promotion, development and the full utilization of overseas Filipino worker returnees and their potentials.” In RA 8042, the mandated office was called Re-placement and Monitoring Center.

• The call to improve interagency coordination on data matters is elaborated in Sec. 13, which amended Sec 20 of RA 8042, i.e., the establishment of a Shared Government Information System for Migration. In RA10020, the membership of the interagency committee has been expanded, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment as co-chair. Sec 20(d) as amended specifically mentions sharing data bases on master-list of departing/arriving Filipinos.

• The role of local government units is a significant addition in RA 10022. Sec 16(d) mentions local government units as a partner in the fight against illegal recruitment, which “shall take a proactive stance by being primarily responsible for the dissemination of information to their constituents on all aspects of overseas employment.” To fulfill this task, local government units will provide a venue to POEA and other stakeholders for the conduct of pre-employment orientation seminars and to establish overseas Filipino worker help desk or kiosk in their localities.

Program

Welcome Remarks

• Fr. Fabio Baggio - Scalabrini Migration Center

• Mr. jose Maria Palabrica - Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Message

• Ms. Camilla Hagstroem – Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines

Presentation of Highlights from the MAPID Project and Introduction of Transnational Bridges

• Fr. Fabio Baggio, MAPID Project Director (text in PDF)

• Dr. Maruja M.B. Asis – Scalabrini  Migration Center (PPT in PDF)

• Chair: Mr. Jose Edison Tondares - Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Migrants’ Perspective

• Mr. Miguel Bolos - One Crowne Plaza                                                

• Ms. Teresita Perez Villanueva – Pervil Cosmetics

• Chair: Ms. Maya Bans Cortina - PHILCOMDEV

Perspectives  of the Academe, Civil Society and the Private Sector

• Dr. Fernando Aldaba – Ateneo de Manila University

• Ms. Maria Angela Villalba – Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation

• Mr. Andres Panganiban – New Rural Bank of San Leonardo

• Mr. Rene Cristobal – Association for Professionalism of Overseas Employment                                               

• Chair: Dr. Clemen Aquino – University of the Philippines

Perspectives of International Organizations                                                

• Ms. Camilla Hagstroem – Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines           

• Mr. Bruce Reed – International Organization for Migration                                              

• Mr. Lorenzo Templonuevo- German Technical Cooperation

• Chair:  Dr. Emmanuel Fernandez – Department of Foreign Affairs

Perspectives of the Government Sector                                

• Mr. Noel Soliman – City Government of Tarlac

• Mr. Hans Leo Cacdac Jr.  –  Department of Labor and Employment                                                

• Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. - Department of Foreign Affairs                                                

• Ms. Cleofe Pastrana - National Economic Development Authority                                      

• Chair: Ms. Minda Valencia – Commission on Filipinos Overseas            

Moving Forward: A Working Synthesis

• Fr. Graziano Battistella  – Scalabrini Migration Center

Facilitator: Atty.  Golda Roma - Commission on Filipinos Overseas