NEW YORK, United States — Emphasizing that “migration is a Philippine reality,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro pushed for intensified international collaboration to ensure safe migration journeys during a high-level event held alongside the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Addressing delegates at the side event titled “Forging Alliances: Strengthening Collaboration Along Migration Routes,” Lazaro pointed to the vast reach of the overseas Filipino workforce, noting that many consider their host nations as secondary homes.
She called for enhanced cooperation connecting origin, transit, and destination countries.
“The Philippines stands ready to cooperate on stronger action against smuggling and trafficking, better return and reintegration systems, expanded legal and digital identity, necessary legal reforms, and efforts to reduce irregular migration,” she said.
While pointing out the nation’s progress in developing robust migration policies, Lazaro acknowledged that governance gaps remain and underscored that global partnership is crucial.
“No country can address these challenges alone. This is why collective action, grounded in shared responsibility, is essential,” she said.
The top Philippine diplomat reiterated the country’s dedication to safeguarding and fulfilling the human rights of migrants across all stages of their travel, highlighting the nation’s ongoing role as a leading advocate for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
She pointed to the 2022 creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) as a historic policy milestone that reinforced institutions tasked with protecting the welfare of Filipino overseas workers.
On regional fronts, Lazaro referenced the Philippines’ active participation in key migration networks, such as the Bali Process, the Colombo Process, and the Abu Dhabi Dialogue.
She added that the country continues to lead Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) discussions on safe labor channels, climate-driven migration, and human rights, while assisting partner nations in Africa with capacity-building programs.
The Department of Foreign Affairs noted that the side event was organized by the UN Migration Network in collaboration with Azerbaijan, Guatemala, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The gathering brought together ministers and stakeholders from across transit and destination corridors to discuss joint solutions and advance commitments established under the second International Migration Review Forum.