UN agency eyed as data source for migrant policies

A global research governance-training arm of the United Nations, recently tied with the University of the Philippines, is being eyed as a major data source to help government formulate policies to assist migrant workers.

The Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (CIFAL) Philippines was launched recently in Quezon City during the 3rd Global Mayoral Forum, an international event supported by the UN Institute for Training and Research (Unitar).

The UP Center for Integrative Development Studies (CIDS) will spearhead the center, with Dr. Edna Co, dean of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, as country director.

“Through the UP CIDS, CIFAL Philippines will be able to maximize the school’s disciplinary strengths and expertise in the areas of public policy, migration, development, and gender equality to significantly contribute to the achievement of social inclusion in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development (of the UN),” UP president Alfredo Pascual said.

CIFAL Philippines has been tagged as the Asia-Pacific hub of the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders, the 16th addition to the CIFAL global network.

In her keynote speech, Sen. Risa Hontiveros stressed the need to pursue qualitative research and analysis to aid policy formulation by legislators like her.

Hontiveros said the government must address issues facing Filipino migrant workers, citing imprisoned domestic helper Mary Jane Veloso as prime example of their plight.

The senator said policymakers have to put in place safeguards to protect overseas Filipinos vulnerable to abuse and exploitation like Veloso, who is currently on death row after she was charged for allegedly smuggling 2.6-kilograms of heroin to Indonesia in April 2010.

The legal protection for workers should be strengthened while the government should also improve on the services offered by labor agencies here and abroad, Hontiveros said.