The Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI) is a guiding light of empowerment and support for migrants, especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. MMCEAI was founded in 2007 thanks to the coordinated efforts of several advocates, and on April 10, 2008, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted it accreditation as a facility providing vital services. The organization was established as a direct reaction to the rising number of people entering the international job market as a result of the changing global economic environment. In particular, the founders of MMCEAI were motivated by their commitment to meet the urgent needs of distressed migrants, with a major focus on the difficulties experienced by female migrant workers.
The overall goal of MMCEAI is to create a community that is committed to protecting the rights and well-being of OFWs both at home and abroad. This vision is inclusive of public and governmental organizations, families, educational institutions, local communities, and international networks. It cuts over national and international boundaries. Fundamentally, the purpose of MMCEAI is to operate as a focal point for partnerships and community development that actively promote and defend the rights and welfare of OFWs in Mindanao while also giving them the resources and empowerment they need.
MMCEAI has outlined a number of crucial aims in order to accomplish these objectives. First and foremost, the organization is dedicated to providing direct help and all-inclusive services to OFWs and their immediate families in recognition of the complex difficulties they encounter during their migratory journey. In recognition of the fact that the migration experience frequently necessitates major personal and familial sacrifices, this includes offering not only practical support but also emotional and psychological assistance.
MMCEAI focuses its efforts on advancing and defending the rights of migrant workers by supporting legislative proposals and government procedures. In order to bring about long-lasting change and guarantee the welfare of OFWs, the group firmly believes that legislative campaigning is an essential component. MMCEAI seeks to sway policy changes that address the particular needs and vulnerabilities of migrant workers, with a focus on women migrants who may encounter gender-specific challenges. It does this by collaborating with legal professionals, legislators, and international organizations.
The commitment of MMCEAI to bringing attention to the predicament of OFWs is equally significant. The organization seeks to promote comprehension, empathy, and fruitful conversation on the subject by highlighting the local and international elements that have an impact on migrant workers. Collaborations with similar organizations, institutions, communities, and groups that share the shared objective of promoting the rights of migrants are also a part of this deliberate effort to raise awareness. MMCEAI educates different stakeholders on the reality of migration, refuting stereotypes and creating a more compassionate stance through workshops, seminars, and multimedia campaigns.
In order to fulfill its objective, MMCEAI takes a multifaceted strategy, with each component intended to solve a particular need or problem. In the area of policy formation, MMCEAI serves as a link between many parties, including OFWs, NGOs, governmental agencies, and social service providers. These parties collaborate in order to pass local laws that directly help migrants and their families. The group makes sure that the voices of OFWs are heard in formulating policies that have a direct impact on their life by working with legal professionals and lawmakers.
MMCEAI does not undervalue the influence of the media or of public education. The group wants to promote educated conversations about labor migration and its wider implications by offering forums for productive talks including local residents, policymakers, educators, and service providers. These talks foster the creation of sympathetic solutions while also illuminating the difficulties experienced by migrants. MMCEAI’s dedication to truthful and compassionate teaching is vital in a society where false information can reinforce stereotypes.
In a similar spirit, MMCEAI prioritizes research and publication, using its resources to finance research initiatives that act as launchpads for advocacy efforts. With these initiatives, lawmakers can create sound laws and regulations that will benefit Filipino migrant workers and their families. In order to conduct studies that illuminate the experiences of OFWs, their contributions to both the host and home nations, and the difficulties they face along the way, the organization works with academic institutions and research partners.
MMCEAI’s actions in the area of direct support and services are brought to life through four key program components: organizing, special missions to help migrants in need, livelihood-building and partnerships, counseling and referral services. At various points during their journey, these programs cater to the specific needs of OFWs. The direct services provided by MMCEAI fill important gaps in the support system that is accessible to migrant workers, from creating organizing venues that allow OFWs to voice their issues collectively to delivering crucial help during times of crisis.
Among these programs, the “Anak OFW” (Child of an OFW) program exemplifies MMCEAI’s dedication to helping all migrants. The initiative emphasizes that Anak OFW can refer to any child that the OFW considers to be such, whether through legal adoption or a written declaration. By respecting these children’ rights, MMCEAI works to promote their growth and well-being by offering specialized services and programs. The program provides a variety of resources, such as counseling, educational support, and mentorship programs, in recognition of the particular problems experienced by children of OFWs.
For Overseas Filipino Workers and their Families, MMCEAI shines as a beacon of hope and support. The organization’s broad strategy, which includes legislative lobbying, awareness campaigns, research, and direct support services, was developed through the cooperation of various activists, and it is a monument to its dedication to the welfare and empowerment of OFWs in Mindanao and elsewhere. Through programs like Anak OFW, MMCEAI works to improve the present and future for every migrant family member, solidifying its role as an agent of change.
The organization remains steadfast in its objective to elevate the voices and rights of individuals who contribute so greatly to both the local and global communities, even as the global landscape of labor migration evolves.
Interview
Interviewee:
Ms. Inorisa Sialana-Elento (Executive Director/Ex-Officio)
Q: What is MMCEAI and what are its vision, mission, and advocacy?
MMCEAI’s origins lie in its visionary programs designed for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Primarily, its core advocacy revolved around international labor migration, creating a secure environment, and safeguarding the rights and well-being of migrant workers.
The organization’s strategic approach centers on engaging OFWs and their families left behind, alongside other stakeholders including the government. This encompasses all aspects directly and indirectly related to migration and development, including the OFW’s community, Local Government Units (LGUs), and broader local governance. At the heart of MMCEAI’s identity is a “Rights-Based” perspective. It emphasizes the rights of individuals opting to work abroad, irrespective of obstacles like family responsibilities.
These factors are viewed as shared responsibilities of stakeholders and the government. Ensuring safe migration and the protection of those choosing to work overseas are shared objectives for both government and stakeholders. MMCEAI focuses on programs encompassing Policy, Advocacy, and Campaigns. This involves urging local legislators to enact policies, conducting campaigns on migration-related topics, addressing issues such as abuse, and advocating for child safety.
The organization is also involved in ongoing publications and media work, conducted either within centers or communities. Research and development committees play a pivotal role in identifying significant migration and development concerns before initiating these publications. “Direct support services” form the core of MMCEAI’s program. This includes building community-based migrant associations and associations for children of OFWs.
While offering counseling and referral services for distressed migrant workers, significant efforts are devoted to capacity-building through formation. Resources from partners, migrant associations, and individual initiatives are tapped, with MMCEAI facilitating access to other agencies for initiatives like income-generating methods. Special Missions address crisis situations such as UN peace interventions, earthquakes, fires, and floods.
A fund is allocated to assist affected MMCEAI members, particularly Anak OFWs. In Davao, collaboration with local governments has led to the establishment of 8 community Anak OFW programs. MMCEAI operates through diverse platforms, both initiated by the organization and joined as participants. The 5th program, “Migration Environment Peace and Development,” emphasizes exploring the interplay between migration, environment, peace, and development.
Beyond solely focusing on migration in international labor, the aim is to comprehend the multifaceted factors impacting migrants, including safe migration, first aid during catastrophes, and combating trafficking and illegal recruitment. The organization’s outreach extends to regions like Davao and BARMM, SOCKSARGEN, CARAGA, and western Mindanao. Despite lacking offices in these regions, MMCEAI’s “Migration Environment Peace and Development” network involves civil society organizations from these areas, ensuring local and region-specific migration issues receive media coverage.
Collaboration with national government agencies and periodic convening of these networks enable MMCEAI to advance specific agendas. Further efforts are devoted to Financial Literacy programs, focusing on remittances, savings, and investments, aimed at enhancing financial literacy for both migrant families and individuals.
Q: What are the challenges that confront migrant workers in this day and age?
Migrant workers today face a multitude of challenges, including:
Violence Against Women (VAW): Many migrant women experience violence, particularly in employment-related contexts. Their perpetrators often include their employers. Additionally, situations such as pregnancies during their time abroad can be considered neglect since they were not present to care for their children.
Gender-Based Abuses: Women migrants often encounter gender-based discrimination and views of inferiority, which can manifest in various forms of abuse.
Physical and Sexual Abuse: Migrant workers, both women and men, are at risk of physical and sexual abuse, including rape, while working
Wage Payment Issues: Migrants are forced to grapple with problems such as unpaid wages or exploitation regarding compensation.
Mental Health: Mental health issues are prevalent among migrant workers, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Elevated levels of anxiety and stress are common due to the manifold difficulties they encounter.
Illegal Recruitment: Some migrants fall victim to illegal recruitment practices. They may initially work under legitimate employers but subsequently flee due to abuse, leading to their classification as illegal recruits.
Q: How does MMCEAI help migrant workers?
The organization can collaborate with the relevant embassy in the migrant worker’s location when there is a complaint or request for assistance. There is a primary coordinating body called the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) where these complaints can be submitted directly. The DMW, in turn, communicates with the respective countries of the migrant workers. In cases where complaints are submitted, counseling services are also offered to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or families left behind. Pro bono counselors are available to facilitate these sessions, in addition to in-house registered social workers and volunteers who work alongside psychologists.
Q: How does MMCEAI collaborate with local legislators, advocates, and other stakeholders to effectively advocate for policy changes that uplift the status of OFWs and protect their rights, both in the Philippines and abroad?
MMCEAI typically extends invitations to local legislators, advocates, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions about their advocacies. This outreach is crucial because future projects and collaborations often hinge on the alignment of these advocacies. MMCEAI also runs various projects, such as ANAK OFW, where they invite legislators and representatives from National Government Agencies. They participate as resource speakers and are subsequently encouraged to join workshops, offering their insights and recommendations regarding the prevalent issues at hand. This collaborative approach fosters a holistic and informed perspective on addressing migrant worker concerns.
Q: In the area of women services and action, what specific initiatives does MMCEAI undertake to empower female OFWs and address gender-related issues within the context of labor migration?
Given that the majority of migrant workers are women, MMCEAI tailors its services to address their specific needs. These services primarily focus on issues related to psychosocial well-being, interpersonal relationships, and income generation. MMCEAI takes a proactive approach by offering opportunities in areas where these women excel, whether it be gardening, arts and crafts, or other income-generating activities. The organization seeks to empower migrant workers by enhancing their skills and income potential. Additionally, MMCEAI works on capacity-building for the partners of OFWs, creating opportunities for them to contribute and support their families. This holistic approach encompasses both group and individual engagement to provide comprehensive support.
Q: As an organization focused on empowering OFWs and building partnerships, can you share some of your success stories and better practices in promoting the rights and welfare of OFWs in Mindanao?
Defining success stories can be subjective and context-dependent. Personally, I consider success stories to be those where migrant workers have overcome extremely challenging situations to rebuild their lives or start anew. These stories often involve individuals who have endured significant stress, including experiences of Violence Against Women (VAW) both at home and abroad, the hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, or other adverse circumstances.
For instance, one remarkable case involves a migrant worker who faced a series of devastating events, including the loss of her husband and one of her three children during Typhoon Pablo. Despite these hardships, she made the difficult decision to leave her children with her mother and work abroad. While working overseas, she experienced sexual abuse, and upon returning home, she learned that one of her children was pregnant. Despite these challenges, she took legal action against her abusive employer and helped her pregnant child secure a scholarship. With the support of MMCEAI, she demonstrated incredible resilience by not only providing for her children but also for her grandchild.
Reflections
Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI) in Davao, Philippines and GDL Sur Destino y Libertad in Jalisco, Mexico: these two organizations aim to provide opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers and deported people from the United States who arrived in Mexico seeking to start a new life. Both organizations have a common end goal or objective, which is to provide service for the people who need said help. There may be similarities and differences in tackling such problems, but both of them aim for optimum wellness of their client. As for the differences, MMCEAI encompasses Overseas Filipino Workers alongside their family members, while for GDL SUR Destino y Libertad focuses on deported people form the United States. For Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI), they specifically aim to meet the urgent needs of distressed migrants, with a major focus on the difficulties experienced by women migrant workers. While GDL Sur Destino y Libertad, focuses on readaptation or rehabilitation helping deported people to open a new leaf. Another difference is that MMCEAI provides opportunities wherein the OFWs life decisions are supported, compared to GDL SUR Destino y Libertad wherein they create a systematic process of readaptation, for the deportees to have a kick start for a better life. Both organizations connect to other organizations aiming to provide more opportunities for their clients.
MMCEAI works alongside different sectors such as Legislators and National Government Agencies, to provide optimum help towards their clients. This approach is similar to GDL Sur Destino y Libertad, as they also work with different institutions depending on their proposals and goals. MMCEAI works with the different sectors of the government, while GDL SUR Destino y Libertad works with universities and at other gathings. Both organizations aim to produce optimum gathering of opportunities, this is done by widening their scale, thus the reason why it is important to build relationships with other institutions and sectors. As for the clients, both organizations are similar in a way wherein basically all of their clients are looking for a change, waiting for help, and hoping for better opportunities. The clients that ask for help from GDL Sur Destino y Libertad are mostly troubled people looking for help. As for the Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI), the clients are mostly women, especially women who have experienced untoward situations such as being sexually harassed, physically abused, or basically anything that can evoke negative emotions.
The dedication of MMCEAI and GDL Sur Destino y Libertad to defending the rights and welfare of migrants is praiseworthy. For migrants to find comfort, direction, and empowerment, they have constructed safe zones. Their work goes beyond simply meeting people’s fundamental needs; instead, it aims to empower migrants by giving them the tools, information, and resources they need to start again and realize their aspirations.
We must acknowledge the crucial contributions made by groups like MMCEAI and GDL Sur Destino y Libertad as we traverse into the complicated world of migration. Their steadfast commitment and encouragement will serve as a reminder of the value of kindness, inclusivity, and the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status. Let us stand together in solidarity, support one another, and campaign for a world in which every migrant is treated with dignity and respect. It is important that we become their advocates during times of trials. Treating each and every person we see with respect can further establish a society that accepts diversity, defends human rights, and promotes the potential of every individual, regardless of their place of origin; this is all by working together.
References
BookLibrar. (n.d.). Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute – Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from https://mpiasia.net/newsresources/resources/mpi-library/mindanao-migrants-center-for-empowering-actions,-inc.html
Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (n.d.). Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from http://mmceai.blogspot.com/
Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. | Enable Kids Project. (2016, August 5). Enable Kids Project; https://enablekidsproject.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/mindanao-migrants-center-for-empowering-actions-inc/
Researchers
Hi! My name is Regine Magdalene Guillermo, I am currently a 3rd year Nursing Student of San Pedro College of Davao, Philippines. I am an introvert, a bookworm, a foodie, a swimmer, and I enjoy playing basketball. I love to lose myself in a good book, savor the taste of a delicious meal, feel the cool water of the pool on my skin, and the adrenaline rush of a basketball game. I can be described as a well-rounded individual who enjoys the simple things in life.
Mabuhay! I am Reena Angelika R. Coralde, 20 years old, and currently a 3rd year Psychology Student from San Pedro College, Davao City, Philippines. I am a foodie, especially when it comes to sweet and savory foods. I also love to listen to a wide variety of music and consider myself a frustrated singer. Very passionate when it comes to movies and books, and I am a wannabe video game master. I am shy but my friends describe me otherwise.