The Regional Development Council (RDC) XI successfully conducted a Migration and Development Forum on August 2, 2024, at the NEDA-RDC XI Center in Davao City. The forum brought together 80 key stakeholders to highlight the crucial role of migration in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to discuss strategies for addressing the needs of migrants in the Davao Region. The forum aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders, promote best practices, and provide a platform for dialogue on opportunities and recommendations to accelerate concrete regional actions towards the SDGs.
In her welcome address, RD Sonido emphasized that, for the first time, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes migration as a core consideration in development efforts. The forum, themed “Leveraging Human Mobility in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” featured discussions led by Atty. Maureen dela Cruz from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Assistant Director Edgardo Aranjuez II of the NEDA-Social Development Staff. They explored the connection between Migration and Development (M&D) and the SDGs.
The forum’s discussions focused on five key thematic areas: strengthening migration data to better inform policies and programs, particularly in relation to the SDGs; promoting social, economic, and political inclusion to ensure that migrants and their families are fully integrated into society and have access to essential services and opportunities; empowering the diaspora to contribute to the development of both their home and host communities; capacitating local governments to effectively manage migration and implement relevant policies and programs; and enabling a participatory approach in the planning and implementation of migration-related initiatives.
Participants, including representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) XI, the Commission on Population XI, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Mindanao, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration XI, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas-Davao, the local governments of Davao City and Tagum City, and the Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions Inc., shared valuable insights on the said thematic areas.
The open forum addressed various concerns regarding the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and related government services. The forum concluded with a closing message from DMW XI OIC-Regional Director Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad, who underscored the importance of inclusive migration policies, stating that “migration works if it works for everyone.”She expressed hope for a future where migration contributes positively to sustainable development. (Meg Badilles-Manayan, Senior EDS – NEDA XI)