Labour migration

Making migration work for development

Labour migration is the “movement of persons from their home State to another State for the purpose of
employment.”1 Today, around 105 million persons are working in a country other than their country of birth.2
Organized and well-managed labour migration has enormous potential for governments, communities, migrants,
employers and other stakeholders in countries of origin and destination. While creating jobs in the home country
is the ideal, an increasing number of countries see international labour migration as an integral part of national
development by taking advantage of global employment opportunities and bringing in foreign exchange.

The work of IOM Philippines in this area continues to be within the context of:

 fostering synergies between labour migration and development;

 promoting legal avenues of labour migration as an alternative to irregular migration; and
 facilitating the development of policies and programmes that are in the interest of migrants and society,
protecting the rights and welfare of labour migrants and their families.

Return of Knowledge, Return of qualified Filipino professionals (scientists and educators overseas and
1993 Technology and Qualified in Italy), in close collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology
Filipinos in Italy and the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines
Research on the Filipino Migrant
A study on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Italy and their families in
2003 Family and Social Effects
Batangas and Laguna
of Migration
Seafarers Health Education Building the capacity of accredited OFW diagnostic clinics and supporting
2004
Counselling peer-counselling for HIV-positive OFWs
Information campaign against irregular migration; establishing ethical
Facilitating Legal Migration
2006 recruitment standards; capacity-building on labour market research;
between Asia and Europe
strengthening migration resource centres
Research on remittance corridors, practices and the impact of financial crisis
on remittance behaviour and households; policy dialogue series on savings,
investments, social insurance, entrepreneurship, migrant philanthropy and
Improving Knowledge
mainstreaming migration in development planning; pilot interventions on
of Remittance Corridors
2008 financial literacy programmes for migrants, diaspora communities and families;
support for migration resource centres (pilot target: OFWs in Italy, Indonesian
migrants in the Netherlands, and Filipino and Indonesian migrants in Malaysia)
Global Forum on Migration and Administrative and logistical assistance to the Philippine government in
Development (GFMD) support of its role as host of the second GFMD
Benefiting disadvantaged youth, children of OFWs and young OFWs in pilot
areas of high poverty incidence (Agusan del Sur, Antique, Maguindanao
Alternatives to Migration - and Masbate): policy reforms to sharpen youth in migration management;
Decent Jobs for Youth (MDG mainstreaming safe migration in high school curriculum; setting up a one-stop
Youth, Employment and resource centre; research and pilot programmes on channelling remittance
Migration) to development and employment; information campaign against trafficking,
illegal recruitment and irregular migration; provision of education subsidy for
2009 high school students; improving labour market information for the youth
(ongoing)
Supporting pilot projects with civil society organizations (CSOs) and local
authorities towards linking migration and development. Working alongside
UNDP Brussels, the implementing partner, IOM is the monitoring partner
EU–UN Joint Migration
and focal point for the Philippines, one of 16 target countries (Algeria, Cape
and Development Initiative
Verde, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Jamaica, Mali, the Republic
of Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Tunisia).
About 52 projects have been funded.
2011 Mainstreaming Migration in
Support to the local government of Naga, Camarines Sur (see project brief)
(ongoing) Local Development Plans

1
Source: International Organization on Migration (IOM), Glossary on Migration, Geneva, 2004.

2
Source: International Labour Organization (ILO), International Labour Migration: A Rights-based Approach, Executive Summary, Geneva, 2010.

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Disaster relief, community stabilization and rehabilitation
Addressing the critical needs of local communities after natural disasters

The Philippines experiences 15 to 20 typhoons a year and, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, has five of its 15
active volcanoes showing significant volcanic activity. Less than 20 per cent of the country’s forest cover remains.
This, along with a high population density, makes communities particularly vulnerable to weather events such as
typhoons, floods and droughts.

IOM Philippines seeks to directly address the critical needs of local communities immediately after natural disasters
and during the recovery and rehabilitation phases.

St. Bernard, Southern Leyte post-landslide, with local government

Rapid Post-Disaster Assessment
and Evaluation Mission
Emergency Logistics Support
Emergency Transport and Logistics
2006 Support for NFIs and Shelter Material
Typhoon Relief Operations
Transit Centres Upgrading Support
Camp Coordination and
Camp Management Support
Humanitarian Response Monitoring
System
Building of Temporary Shelters
2007 Core Permanent Shelter and Community
Revitalization Assistance
2008 Barangay Health Centre Construction
Typhoon Relief Operations
Camp Coordination and
2009 Camp Management Support
Displacement Tracking Matrix
Emergency Shelter and NFI Support
Transitional Shelter and Livelihood
2010
Support
2011 Shelter and Livelihood Support
units and Community and Family Services International (CFSI);
Mount Mayon, with local government units and the National Disaster
Coordinating Council-Office of Civil Defense (NDCC-OCD)
Post-Durian, transport and logistics services for about 44 NGOs,
reaching about 30 local communities in the Bicol Region
Post-Durian, delivery of more than 12,750 metric tons of shelter
materials and non-food items (NFIs) such as medical supplies, water
and sanitation items and other relief goods
Post-Durian, for 20,000 families or 100,000 individuals
Post-Durian, in collaboration with UNDP, for about 768 displaced
families in Albay
Post-Durian
Post-Durian, construction of 867 temporary shelters
Post-Durian, construction of 907 permanent core shelters with water
and sanitation facilities in Albay
Post-Durian, in collaboration with UNFPA, construction of 6 barangay
health centres in Catanduanes
Post-Ketsana, about 31,058 NFI kits in NCR and Regions 1 and 4-A
Post-Ketsana
Post-Ketsana, 7,318 shelters and NFI kits
Post-Ketsana, 200 transitional shelters, 400 shelter kits and 270
livelihood kits
Post-Megi, 1,390 families (or approximately 6,950 individuals) in
Isabela, Region 2

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Post-conflict community revitalization and demobilization
Supporting local communities in conflict zones

IOM Philippines supports local communities in conflict zones, giving humanitarian assistance to mobile and vulnerable
populations; providing transitional shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs); supporting the sustainable return
of IDPs to their communities of origin; and assisting in the demobilization and reintegration of armed groups.

To date, IOM Philippines has had the opportunity to focus its work on Mindanao, with a strategic potential to
expand to other relevant locations in the country where IOM could play a direct role in post-conflict community
revitalization and demobilization.

Mobile Information, Referral and Community Mindanao and Palawan, in close cooperation with UNDP;
1998
Assistance Service demobilization and reintegration of MNLF soldiers
2008
Multi-Sector Emergency Support for IDPs
2009
Emergency Support and Assistance to Mobile and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM);
Vulnerable Populations support for about 93 IDP sites

2010 Camp Coordination and Camp Management and

(ongoing) Protection Support
Sustainable IDP Returns to Communities of Origin Maguindanao, about 129 IDP families; 40 transitional
Transitional Shelter Assistance for IDPs shelters constructed
2011 Intended to support up to 525,000 IDPs and flood-
CCCM and Emergency NFI Support
(ongoing) affected population

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Migrant processing and assistance
Making migration processes more efficient and safer for migrants

To make migration processes more efficient and safer for both migrants and governments concerned, IOM Philippines
helps improve organized and regular migration schemes through value-added services provided at different stages
of the migration process:

 factual information when considering migration;

 assistance with visa applications; and
 concessionary fares and pre-departure training to help migrants adjust to their country of destination,
where the culture, tradition and practices may be different from their own.

Filipino permanent immigrant applicants to the United States,

National Migration to North America/Migrant
1994 Canada and Australia; about 293 immigration application
Case Assistance Programme
assessments processed
Independent migrants and live-in caregivers bound for Canada,
in close collaboration with Citizenship and Immigration
1998 Canadian Orientation Abroad Canada (CIC); an average of 466 Filipino participants trained
per month, with training sessions held two-and-a-half days
per week
In close collaboration with the German Development
2000 Migrants’ Experts Visa Assistance Cooperation Programme; Filipino IT skilled professionals
migrating to Germany through employment
First-time Filipino migrants to Australia and Canada; assistance
2003 (Self-Payer) Ticketing Assistance
with discounted air tickets with increased baggage allowance
In collaboration with the New Zealand Immigration Service
(NZIS), Filipino migrant applicants to New Zealand; verification
2004 New Zealand Documents Verification
of academic and work records, trade qualifications and public
legal documents
In collaboration with the embassies of New Zealand and
2006 DNA Testing for New Zealand and Italy Italy; Filipino dependents of Filipino migrant sponsors in New
Zealand and Italy
In collaboration with the Government of Japan; Japanese–
2008 Japanese–Filipino Children Networking Project Filipino children in the Philippines who opt to claim Japanese
citizenship
2009 Migrant Training Survey In collaboration with CIC
Document verification of Filipino provincial nominee
2009 candidates currently in Canada, in collaboration with the
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Programme
(ongoing) province of Alberta; to date verification of about 1,000
applicants completed

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Border management
Helping the government to upgrade policies, legislation, administrative structures, operational systems
and human resources to better manage the country’s borders

Border management programmes and activities help governments equip themselves with the necessary policies,
legislation, administrative structures, operational systems and human resources needed to address diverse migration
challenges.

IOM Philippines seeks to complement and enhance the Philippine government’s national, bilateral and multilateral
border management efforts. It fosters dialogue, planning and cooperation among relevant agencies to help the
government better manage the country’s borders.

Immigration Services Enhancement of the Bureau

of Immigration In collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration (BI); covering
Wide Area Network Project of the all BI outposts nationwide
Bureau of Immigration
2006
Philippine Border Management Project In collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA), BI, Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Center on
Workshop Series on Biometric Technology for the Transnational Crime (PCTC), National Intelligence Coordinating
Government of the Philippines Agency (NICA) and National Economic Development Authority
Training and Information Systems Upgrade for
2008 In collaboration with BI and Department of Justice (DOJ)
Improved Border Integrity
Strategic Review of the Bureau of Immigration
2009 In collaboration with BI
Information Management System

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Counter-trafficking
Pursuing a comprehensive approach of prevention, protection of victims and prosecution of human
traffickers to help the most vulnerable in our society

IOM takes a comprehensive approach to trafficking in persons – prevention of trafficking, protection of victims and
prosecution of traffickers.

Recognizing that the Philippines is an origin, transit and destination country for trafficking for sexual exploitation
and for forced labour, IOM Philippines carries out a wide range of counter-trafficking activities in partnership with
governmental institutions, NGOs and international organizations, while applying three basic principles:

 respect for human rights;

 the physical, mental and social well-being of the individual and his/her community; and
 sustainability through institutional capacity-building of governments and civil society.

Regular radio broadcast/show on irregular migration and human

1997 Philippine Information Programme
Sex Trafficking:
1999
We are so syndicated, Ma’am
Manila Process Meetings on
Irregular Migration and Human
2000 Trafficking
Trafficking Information
Mainstreaming Project
Workshop on Operational
Cooperation to Combat Irregular
2001
Migration, Trafficking and Smuggling
of Migrants
2003 The Power to Choose
Theatre Information Campaign 1
2004 Theatre Information Campaign 2
trafficking
Production and distribution of 50,000 video copies
Series of intergovernmental meetings on irregular migration and
trafficking in East and South-East Asia established in 1996, which served
as a venue for participating countries to: analyse and explore possible
activities in combating and reducing irregular migration and trafficking
within the region; share information on trafficking and anti-trafficking
legislation; identify root causes of regular and irregular migration; and
build capacity on irregular migration and trafficking
Public service advertisements in theatres on the perils of irregular
migration and human trafficking
Organized by IOM and the Government of the People’s Republic of
China, enhancing international cooperation among ASEAN countries
to effectively combat irregular migration, trafficking and smuggling of
human beings
Video training tool supporting successful migration
Roadshow educating potential migrants on the risks and realities of
human trafficking
Roadshow on how to make migration to Japan safer for Filipino women

95 Filipino victims of trafficking (VOTs) in Japan returned and reintegrated

Return and Reintegration
2005 to the Philippines to date; they were provided with reception and
of Filipino Trafficked Victims
(ongoing) transportation assistance, temporary shelter, family reunification
in Japan
assistance, and psychosocial, legal and medical assistance.

Family Reunification to the United Dependents of Filipino VOTs in the United States; 10 family caseloads to
2008
States date have been provided with pre-departure support and assistance.
Reception assistance to Filipino VOTs/returnees from other countries;
2010 Return and Reintegration
16 Filipinos returned from Damascus, 1 potential Filipino VOT from
(ongoing) of Filipino VOTs
Mongolia, and 2 Filipinos from Costa Rica

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Repatriation and reintegration
Helping Filipinos overseas to escape conflict and return home

Since its inception, IOM has been involved in the voluntary repatriation of refugees and third-country nationals
(TCN) from countries affected by conflicts.
IOM Philippines responds to requests from the Philippine government for voluntary repatriation assistance for
unsuccessful asylum-seekers and Filipino nationals overseas who urgently need to escape conflict and return home.

1991 Repatriation assistance to Filipinos (TCNs) during the Gulf War

Voluntary Repatriation Programme permitting immigration of Vietnamese to the United States, established
of Long-Stayers under a 1979 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Viet Nam and the United
1996
(Orderly Departure Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); IOM facilitated medical examinations
Programme - ODP) and arranged transportation within the country and travel to the United States.
2008 Repatriation assistance to 4,500 Filipinos (TCNs) during the Lebanon conflict
2009 Repatriation assistance to about 34 Filipinos (TCNs) during the Gaza conflict
2011 Repatriation assistance to about 779 Filipinos (TCNs) from MENA (Middle East and North Africa)

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Refugee resettlement
Helping refugees to begin new lives abroad

For more than 60 years, IOM has played a vital role in refugee resettlement around the world – from the processing
of refugee requirements to placement in local communities in countries that have accepted them for permanent
resettlement.
The Philippines has experienced first hand several refugee movements: (a) Jewish-Russians after the Second World
War; (b) nationalists/Koumintang-oriented Chinese after the communist revolution in China; and (c) Viet Nam boat
people since 1995.
The Philippine Regional Resettlement Transit Centre was established in 1990 to assist other South-East Asian nations
as part of the ASEAN Common Action Plan.
IOM Philippines continues to work with the Philippine government, UNHCR and NGOs to help refugees begin new
lives abroad through:
 the processing of documents and requirements;
 medical screening and counselling; and
 movement assistance.

Resettlement to the United States of refugees qualified under the US Refugee

Admissions Programme, benefiting the few remaining Vietnamese Amerasian Orderly
1990 US Refugee Programme Departure Programme (ODP) long-stayers in the Philippines being reconsidered
for resettlement to the United States; 24 Vietnamese Amerasian ODP long-stayers,
including family dependents, resettled to the United States from 2001 to 2003
Provision of processing and transportation services to UNHCR refugees and individuals
Canadian Warrants of humanitarian designated classes accepted by Canada; IOM is also responsible for
1997
Programme health assessments and pre-departure treatment of certain medical conditions of
refugees/qualified individuals.
Vietnamese Norway For Vietnamese refugees admitted for resettlement to Norway, the United States,
2005 Resettlement Canada, and European Union countries; 39 caseloads assisted or 160 individuals
Programme resettled to Norway
With UNHCR and the DOJ, IOM assists in the finalization of travel and provides
departure assistance to refugees from other South-East Asian countries towards their
2009 Emergency Transit resettlement to a third country. IOM organizes international transportation to the
(ongoing) Mechanism Philippines, as well as local transportation of refugees in the country, from the place
of accommodation in the Philippines to the country of resettlement, and provides
services related to their relocation to a third country.

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Assisted voluntary return
Humane and dignified return services for vulnerable Filipinos wishing to return home from abroad

IOM works towards the orderly, humane and cost-effective return and reintegration of migrants who are unable or
unwilling to remain in host countries and wish to return voluntarily to their countries of origin.

IOM Philippines assists vulnerable Filipinos who wish to return home from abroad but lack the means to do so.
These include irregular migrants, stranded migrants, other vulnerable migrant groups, elderly people or those with
particular medical needs.

Assisted Voluntary Returns of Filipino

To date, 79 irregular migrants returned to the Philippines, provided
Irregular Migrants ex-Ireland, Belgium,
2007 with transport/transit and medical assistance from pre-departure,
London, Australia, Mongolia, the
departure to post-arrival, including reintegration assistance
Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland
Provision of Post-Arrival Assistance for Returnees from Australia provided with post-arrival assistance, onward
2008
Returnees from Australia transportation, and/or overnight accommodation

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Migration health
Healthy migrants in healthy communities

Health is a critical asset for migrants and their families, and the health outcomes of migration not only affect
individual migrants or host communities, but also impact the families left behind and the wider community in
countries of origin. Through its strategic approach to migration health, IOM delivers and promotes comprehensive,
preventive and curative health programmes which are beneficial, accessible and equitable for migrants and mobile
populations.

IOM strengthened diagnostic clinics in Manila with training on pre- and

Seafarers Health Education
2004 Counselling (SHEC) - Building the
Capacity of Diagnostic Clinics
Mobile Medical Clinics for Typhoon
Ondoy-Affected Families and
2009
Communities in NCR and Luzon
Outer Areas
2009 Pre-Departure Health Assessments
(ongoing) in Refugee Resettlement
post-test counselling on HIV. It also produced educational materials for
distribution to target groups, specifically seafarers, in diagnostic clinics
and other appropriate venues.
IOM rolled out mobile medical clinics in the most vulnerable evacuation
centres/sites, flooded communities and relocation areas. Emergency
primary health care services, such as periodic/regular health check-ups,
were provided for a target population of about 6,000 families.
In coordination with UNHCR, the Government of the Philippines and
receiving countries, IOM provides health assessments and pre-departure
health services to refugees from other South-East Asian countries being
resettled to third countries, to ensure that the migration process does not
impact the health of refugees or the host population.

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Project Summary

This project is implemented by IOM in partnership with the

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the
City Government of Naga. It aims to contribute to the
Philippine Government’s efforts to improve migration
management in the country, in accordance with the recently- Insert picture
adopted EU-GRP Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP)
2011-2013. To this end, IOM shall: (1) facilitate multi-
sectoral interaction by convening Stakeholders’ Series of
Conferences and Consultations at the national and local
levels; (2) assist in the drafting of the Naga City local
development plan for 2011-2012 through potential reference
to the IOM supported GMG Mainstreaming handbook; and
(3) draft and disseminate a process documentation paper on
mainstreaming migration in local development planning: the
Naga City experience

Project Update

The Project started in January 2011, with meetings at the national and local levels with main partners DILG and the City
Government of Naga to map out the general direction of project implementation. A Technical Working Group (TWG) was
organized to perform programmatic oversight and advice on the relevance and modalities of the over-all approach and
strategy of the project.

Project implementation is now on its middle stages with the conduct of 8 sectoral consultations to get a broader view on
what actual migration issues to consider and how best to integrate them in local development plans.

Sectors consulted were the Naga City National People’s Council (NCPC), Urban Poor, Children of OFWs, Metro Naga
Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MNCCI), Remittance Channels, School Administrators, Media Practitioners and the
Association of Barangay Captains.

Sectoral inputs were organized according to 6 key M&D themes:

1. Crafting of a Social Protection Program to reduce the social cost of migration
2. Improving the flow of remittances (cost, speed, security)
3. Capacity-building (financial literacy, entrepreneurship trainings, etc.)
4. Local Investment Promotion
5. Improving Data on Migrants
6. Partnership building with Overseas Filipino organizations for local development

These inputs were initially incorporated in the draft of the Naga City Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for 2012-
20 and presented in a Multi-Stakeholder Workshop last August 13, 2011 in Naga City for validation and prioritization for
the actual mainstreaming process. The enhanced CDP will be presented to the national stakeholders in Manila on
September 21, 2011 for feedback giving and further enhancement.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION - PHILIPPINES

28th Floor, Citibank Tower, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, 1126, Philippines

For more information, please contact Mr. Ovais Sarmad, Chief of Mission (osarmad@iom.int)
Or Dave Bercasio, Programme Manager, (dbercasio@iom.int)
www.iom.int
Direct assistance to the Government of the Philippines
Providing logistical, technical and administrative support

Regional and Global Events – IOM's Support

Provided administrative and logistical assistance to the Philippine government in

Global Forum on Migration
2008
and Development (GFMD)
2003– Regional Consultative
2011 Process: Colombo Process
EU–Philippine Justice Support IOM provided programme implementation, administration and logistics support
2010
Programme (EPJUST)
support of its role as host of the second GFMD held in October 2008. In particular,
IOM Philippines provided travel and logistical support to the designated
participants from various countries attending the forum, including flight
arrangements, purchase of tickets and issuance of the participants’ allowances.
At the same time, IOM also provided interpretation services for the visiting
delegation and input on the issues and policies discussed during the Forum.
IOM provides technical and administrative support, thematic facilitation and
coordination of the regional consultative process involving some 11 Colombo
member countries, including observers such as senior-level officials and ministers
and participating international organizations, tackling shared concerns on
migration, particularly the need for joint and parallel responses with regard to the
protection of migrants. Dialogues revolve around three thematic areas, namely:
1) the protection of, and provision of services to, migrant workers, 2) optimizing
the benefits of organized labour migration, and 3) building capacity, collecting
data and inter-State cooperation.
towards the roll-out of 100 project activities nationwide.

Data Systems Development

1998: SZOPADWare
An information database designed to provide timely, accurate and reliable information on the peace and
development activities of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). This database served as the source
of development resources in support of the peace process, opportunities of assistance for basic services,
livelihood, enterprise and skills training.

2006: Humanitarian Response Monitoring System (HRMS)

Designed to manage information on humanitarian activities, identify humanitarian assistance gaps and needs
towards a coordinated humanitarian response, as well as to monitor displacement.

2008: Integrated Data Migration System (IDMS)

A tool for Philippine border management agencies to efficiently exchange information on border controls in
real time and within a secure IT network; linked to INTERPOL databases.

2009: Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)

Used to monitor population displacement, providing data on evacuation centres and camps during
emergencies (such as number of displaced individuals and location).

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
 Training Conducted
Migrant processing
1998 Province-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Session (Canada-bound)
and assistance
Pre-HIV/AIDS Test Counsellors for Accredited OFW Clinics in Metro Manila:
2004 Training of Trainors Labour migration
Peer Counsellors Training for HIV-Positive OFWs: Training of Trainors
2005 Legal Rights Training for Returnees Counter-trafficking
Camp Coordination and Camp Management Training for IDP Camp Leaders
in the Bicol Region
Protection Training for IDP Camp Leaders and Local Government Units in the Bicol Region Post-disaster
User, Administration and Management Training for the Humanitarian Response
Monitoring System
Basic and Advanced Network and Systems Administration
2006
Training for Software Engineers and Database Administrators
IT Institutional Governance Training
Border management
Biometrics Training for Operational Staff and Senior Officials
Performance Measurements Indicators Training
Training Facilitation Skills and Imposter Recognition (nationwide)
Enterprise Development Training for Survivors of Trafficking Counter-trafficking
Digital Information Management Training (nationwide)
Consular Information Centre/DFA
Strategic Training and Development
2007
Basic and Intermediate: Navigating Passport Fraud (nationwide)
Introduction to Basic Intelligence
Combating Timber Smuggling (nationwide)
IDMS (Integrated Data Migration System): IT Technical
IDMS Users Training (nationwide)
Advanced Technical and Management Support
Passport Issuance (nationwide)
Trafficking and Smuggling/DFA
Border management
Information Sharing
Training for Operational Education
Training of Trainers: Imposter Recognition
Integrated Border Management
2008
Basic Fraudulent Document Detection
Advanced Document Recognition
IDMS/INTERPOL: IT Staff, IT Supervisors and Trainers
Identification and Handling of Dangerous Drugs
Passenger Assessment
Counter-Trafficking for Border Management Personnel
Training of Trainers: Intelligence
Character Formation and Start Your Business Right Seminar for Survivors of Trafficking
Record-Keeping Seminar (for returnees interested in establishing their own business)
A series of seminars for survivors of trafficking:
- Knowing Oneself (Personal Reflections and Sharing of Life Experiences towards
Strengthening the Self) Counter-trafficking
- Gender, Sexuality and Reproductive Health
- Follow-up and Sharing of Reintegration Initiatives/Successes
- Financial Literacy and Addressing OFW Family Issues
2009 - Plan, Create and Sustain Your Business
Camp Coordination and Camp Management Training for Government Workers, Post-Disaster and
Humanitarian Agency Staffs and Camp Leaders Post-conflict
Protection Training for IDP Camp Leaders in ARMM
Orientation Training on the Displacement Tracking Matrix Post-conflict
Community WASH Training in ARMM

IOM PHILIPPINES
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
 PROSPECTS AND DIRECTIONS 2011–2015
1. Private-sector partnerships 2. New concepts of migration and development
• Ethical placements/recruitment: IOM recognizes
the critical role of Philippine recruitment and
placement agencies in facilitating Philippine
labour migration through legal channels.
There is an important link between the role of
employment agencies licensed by the Philippine
government and the achievement of the intent of
various international instruments, bilateral and
multilateral agreements, and national laws and
regulations meant to protect and benefit migrant
workers. IOM, in recognition of this role, will
continue to invite recruitment and employment
agencies to participate in international workshops
and dialogues related to the promotion of legal
migration. IOM Philippines will work towards the
provision of technical advice to associations of
recruitment agencies to ensure the promotion of
ethical recruitment practices, share information
on good practices on placing workers abroad,
and advocate issues of common concern.
• Expanded financial literacy for migrant workers
and their families: IOM encourages social and
economic development through migration.
Remittances from Filipinos overseas represent
the most direct link between migration and
development. One of the challenges associated
with remittances is how their development impact
can be maximized for the countries of origin and
destination and, most importantly, for Filipino
migrants and their families. IOM Philippines, in
collaboration with the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA), National Reintegration
Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO)
and ATIKHA, has developed a financial planner,
a tool used by migrant workers and their families
to develop their budget and manage their
remittances for savings and investment. From
this preliminary step, IOM will develop financial
literacy programmes that educate Filipinos
overseas and their families about remittance and
budget management, savings and investment.
IOM will also conduct and facilitate training
for government partners to guide them in
implementing financial literacy programmes for
Filipino migrants.
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
Maximizing the positive relation between migration
and development has been a strategic focus of IOM.
The Organization’s migration and development
programmes intend to contribute to the work
of the international community to harness the
development potential of migration for societies
and contribute to sustainable development and
poverty reduction. IOM’s activities will include
economic and community development and return
and reintegration of qualified nationals to their
countries of origin to build capacity. Amid the
reality that nearly half of the migrant population
is comprised of women, IOM will include gender
in the context of migration and development. IOM
Philippines will work towards building the capacity
of migrant organizations to participate in migration
and development; integrate a gender perspective
in their activities for community and economic
development; and assist in the return, reintegration
and placement of qualified nationals in key positions
to contribute to national development.
3. MDG initiatives for poverty alleviation and
development
Although migration is not considered a Millennium
Development Goal (MDG), migration is interrelated
with development and can have an impact in the
achievement of MDGs. This interrelation has both
positive and negative impacts on development
and poverty alleviation. The economic benefits
of migration, namely the flow of remittances to a
migrant’s country, can contribute to the country’s
development and aid in reducing poverty. On the
other hand, the social costs of migration, particularly
the phenomenon of brain drain resulting from the
migration of skilled workers, can negatively impact
development since available knowledge, resources
and skills are transferred out of a migrant’s country.
IOM works in managing migration effectively in
order to reduce the negative impacts of migration
and, consequently, contribute to poverty alleviation
and development initiatives. In the Philippines, IOM
will continue to work with Philippine government
agencies, particularly the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), the Department of Education
(DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), and United Nations agencies
to contribute to the achievement of MDGs for
poverty alleviation, by designing and developing
appropriate and sustainable initiatives.
IOM PHILIPPINES
4. Migration and climate change
The phenomena of migration and climate change
are interrelated. Climate change can initiate
growth in population movement and migration
within states and across borders. Movements
within the climate change spectrum can be a
result of adverse weather conditions and series of
environmental degradation. Climate change may
also have a negative consequence on livelihood,
food security, public health and availability of
resources, which, in turn, can affect human mobility
and lead to migration and displacement. Migration
also has an impact on the environment at places
of destination and origin as well as transit, if it is
improperly managed. In this context, IOM will work
on the framework that migration can be used as
an adaptive strategy to address the challenges and
negative impacts associated with climate change.
IOM Philippines envisions enhancing its previous
and current initiatives on climate change to reduce
the vulnerability of migrants affected by climate
change and increase their knowledge and skills to
adapt to changes in the environment, by building
their knowledge on disaster preparedness.
5. Country-specific pre-departure orientation
sessions
To ensure the smooth integration of migrants
in their countries of destination, IOM facilitates
and conducts pre-departure orientation sessions
that prepare them for their new lives abroad. The
pre-departure sessions equip migrants with the
knowledge they need to assimilate into their new
“homes” (i.e. countries of destination). Migrants
attending the pre-departure sessions are provided
with relevant information about their destinations
(such as information on the type of culture, the
available opportunities for employment and access
to social services such as education and health care)
that will help them adjust to their new environment.
In the Philippines, IOM provides pre-departure
orientation to migrants bound for Canada either
as temporary workers or as live-in caregivers, in
collaboration with the Government of Canada. IOM
Philippines intends to continue providing country-
specific pre-departure orientation, either for
migrants or temporary workers.
28th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., 1226 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.: +63.2.230 1999 • Fax: +63.2.848 1257
E-mail: mac@iom.int & iomphilippines@iom.int • Website: www.iom.int
6. Disaster risk reduction
IOM’s response to the challenges posted by
environmental degradation and climate change aims
to increase the resilience of communities to risks
and any expected changes in their environment.
Its approach is community-oriented and focuses
on empowering local players and the affected
population, while supporting efforts to strengthen
interaction with the responsible stakeholders and
develop their capacities. Disaster risk management
has been the core of IOM’s emergency humanitarian
response. To further strengthen the capacities
of migrant populations, IOM’s activities are now
geared beyond the emergency phase and looks into
disaster risk reduction. IOM Philippines will carry on
developing programmes that help curb the negative
impacts of climate change and provide response to
emergencies. In order to ensure sustainability, IOM
will focus on disaster risk reduction, towards giving
the affected populace information to minimize their
risks to disasters.
7. Counter-trafficking
In the Philippines, as in other countries, the focus
of most anti-trafficking policies, research and laws
has been almost exclusively women and children
victims. Most victims are forced into labour, going
through illegal means of recruitment and becoming
victims of trafficking. In the Philippines, there have
been reports of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),
including male workers, who have become victims of
trafficking. However, data on male trafficking remain
scarce. IOM Philippines will work on exploring
the incidence of male trafficking in the country,
by conducting research on this phenomenon and
providing technical advice to Philippine legislative
agencies to include male trafficking in their policy
formulation, as well as targeted protection and
rehabilitation services.
IOM PHILIPPINES