Philippine Migrant Workers Office - Geneva

At the 3rd Sitting on the Transformative Agenda for Gender Equality at Work during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference held at the CICG in Geneva, Switzerland on 2 June 2026, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr. delivered the Philippine statement on behalf of the Philippine Government delegation. The Philippines welcomed the discussion convened by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and reaffirmed its strong commitment to promoting gender equality and decent work for all.

In his statement, Undersecretary Rasul emphasized that advancing a transformative agenda for gender equality requires ILO constituents to ensure that gender equality is fully integrated into employment policies, programs, and workplace practices. He highlighted the vital role of employers and workers in creating inclusive, safe, and equitable workplaces where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

The Philippines also underscored the importance of continued ILO support in helping governments, employers, and workers translate commitments into concrete and practical actions. The country remains steadfast in working with the ILO and international partners to advance a more inclusive, rights-based, and gender-responsive world of work that benefits all workers, including migrant workers.

DMW Joins Opening Sitting of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) joined the Opening Sitting of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to advancing workers' rights and promoting decent work through international cooperation.

Heading the DMW delegation and serving as the advance team for Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr. is participating as one of the advisers to the Philippine Government Delegation at the 114th ILC.

Joining Undersecretary Rasul are DMW Director Jerome P. Yanson, and Labor Attaché Jesus Vicente Magsaysay II of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Geneva, who are likewise part of the Philippine Government Delegation.

Also representing the Philippine Government Delegation at the Conference are Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Assistant Secretary Maria Consuelo Bacay as Head of Delegation and Congressman Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III.

Representing the employers' sector is Mr. Arturo Guerrero of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).

The International Labour Conference, the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), convenes government, employer, and worker delegates from ILO member States to discuss key global labor and employment issues and to shape international labor standards.

The Philippine delegation's participation reflects the country's continuing commitment to protecting workers' rights, strengthening labor migration governance, and promoting decent work for all.

MWO-Geneva joined the Kermesse “Ube Festival” organized by the Come to Jesus Fellowship International Church of Geneva, Switzerland at the Paroisse de Malagnou, Geneva.

The event celebrated Filipino culture and cuisine, highlighting Ube, the beloved purple yam that continues to gain popularity in Europe. Guests enjoyed live musical performances, traditional Filipino games, talent presentations, and a variety of Filipino delicacies.

Labor Attaché Jesus Vicente Magsaysay II congratulated Chairwoman Jocelyn Sebastian, Pastor Francis Arango, and the CTJFI community for organizing the successful event. He reiterated that MWO-Geneva remains committed to serving and assisting OFWs in Switzerland.

Deputy Permanent Representative Eric Gerardo Tamayo of the Philippine Mission likewise commended the organizers and noted the growing international appreciation for Filipino food and culture. Department of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, who was in Geneva for activities related to the World Health Assembly, also briefly visited the event and greeted the Filipino community.

MWO-Geneva is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Filipino culture with the community and looks forward to supporting more initiatives that bring Filipinos in Switzerland together.

On May 17, MWO-Geneva joined the annual Flores de Mayo Santacruzan celebration in Ticino, organized by the Filipino Catholic Community in Ticino led by Parish Priests Roberto Mingoy, John Alabastro, and Elizalde Demdam.

Around 250–300 members of the Filipino community gathered in celebration of faith, culture, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Holy Mass, Santacruzan procession, and fellowship program.

Inspirational messages were delivered by Bishop Alain de Raemy, Philippine Honorary Consul in Ticino Ms. Margherita Maffeis-Natale, and Labor Attaché Jesus Vicente Magsaysay II of MWO-Geneva. Also present were Vice Mayor Valeria Vitta of Sant’Antonino, Ticino and Mr. Dante Gragasin, President of the Filipino Community in Ticino.

Labor Attache Magsaysay, together with AS Khaasie Gapuzan, also assisted kababayans with inquiries on OEC, employment contract verification, and OWWA membership services.

Thank you for the warm welcome, Ticino! 🇵🇭

📣𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 ‼️👇

Holiday notice

MWO-Geneva joined the Philippine Embassy in Bern in supporting the world premiere of “To the Moon and Back” at the Visions du Réel International Film Festival in Nyon, Switzerland on 23 April 2026.

The documentary follows Filipina space biologist Florence Pauline Basubas as she pursues her dream of becoming an astronaut, alongside fellow Gen Z scientist Ilyasse Taame, with their journeys shaped by training at Asclepios, a Swiss hub for space mission simulations.

The film also highlights Pauline’s work with the Philippine Space Agency in inspiring young Filipinos - especially girls - to pursue science and a climate-conscious vision of space.