Labor groups hail Hans Cacdac appointment as DMW head

A coalition of labor groups on Wednesday welcomed the confirmation of Hans Leo Cacdac as Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) secretary.

In a news release, the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition hailed the approval of Cacdac’s ad interim appointment, saying his extensive experience made him “one of the best choices among the cabinet secretaries”.

“Nakasama natin si Sec. Hans sa kalye at sa korte, sa pakikibaka sa loob at labas ng bansa. We believe in his capacity and commitment to protect the rights and promote the welfare of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families,” said NAGKAISA chairperson Sonny Matula.

(Sec. Hans joined us on the streets, courts, and any other journey inside and outside the country. We believe in his capacity and commitment to protect the rights and promote the welfare of all OFWs and their families.)

“Under his leadership, we are confident that the DMW will continue to be a strong advocate for the dignity and rights of Filipino workers abroad, he understands that the dignity of an ordinary worker is equal to the dignity of the queen or king of any country,” Matula added.

On Tuesday, the Commission on Appointments confirmed the designation of Cacdac as the new head of the DMW.

Prior to his appointment, Cacdac held the position of DMW undersecretary prior to his elevation to the Cabinet.

He was also an executive director of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Employment Administration (POEA) and an undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Apart from NAGKAISA, other labor groups likewise congratulated Cacdac that includes the Federation of Free Workers, Caucus of Independent Unions, Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong and the National Federation of Labor.

Also welcoming his appointment were ,Partido Manggagawa, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, and Unified Filipino Service Workers. —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News