Employer Compliance Update

PRIME Alliance and DMW Renew Partnership to Strengthen Ethical Recruitment and Migration Protection

Ethical recruitment compliance remains a critical priority for overseas employers working with Filipino manpower. A renewed partnership between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and PRIME Alliance reinforces industry-wide efforts to promote safe migration, strengthen ethical recruitment standards, and improve protection mechanisms for overseas Filipino workers.

PRIME Alliance Advisory No. 002-2026  |  5 February 2026

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officially renewed its partnership with PRIME Alliance and its member associations through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on strengthening cooperation between regulators and licensed recruitment agencies. The agreement supports safe and responsible migration practices while reinforcing collective action against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

The partnership reflects the continued commitment of both government and industry stakeholders to ensure that overseas recruitment processes remain transparent, lawful, and aligned with internationally recognized ethical recruitment principles.

On this page

• Renewed MOU supporting safe and responsible migration
• Ceremonial signing and dialogue on industry matters
• A continuing partnership since 2014
• What this means for overseas employers
• ABD’s commitment to ethical recruitment
• Related employer resources

Renewed MOU Supporting Safe and Responsible Migration

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding strengthens coordination between the Department of Migrant Workers and licensed recruitment industry associations under PRIME Alliance. The agreement aims to reinforce ethical recruitment standards, support responsible migration practices, and enhance cooperation in protecting overseas Filipino workers.

PRIME Alliance is composed of several major recruitment industry organizations, including PRIMA, JEPPCA, PEACEME, ASPROE, and OPAP. These associations collectively represent a large portion of the Philippine overseas recruitment sector and work closely with regulators to maintain lawful recruitment practices and promote compliance across the industry.

Through the partnership, regulators and recruitment associations continue to collaborate on initiatives designed to improve industry governance, address recruitment-related risks, and strengthen safeguards against illegal recruitment and human trafficking. This coordinated effort helps ensure that overseas deployment processes remain aligned with Philippine regulations and international labor protection standards.

The renewal of the MOU also reflects a broader commitment to improving transparency, strengthening regulatory oversight, and supporting a stable recruitment environment that benefits workers, licensed agencies, and overseas employers alike.

Ceremonial Signing and Dialogue on Industry Matters

The signing ceremony was led by Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac. The agreement was witnessed by Usec. Bernard Olalia and Asec. Jerome Alcantara, representing the leadership of the DMW.

PRIME Alliance and its member associations were represented by key industry leaders including Nora Braganza, Russell Garcia, Rea Cristobal, Ces Francisco-Claveria, Marc Capistrano, and Alice Devulgado.

Following the ceremonial signing, representatives from both government and industry participated in a dialogue addressing current matters affecting the overseas recruitment sector. Officers, trustees, and members of PRIME Alliance organizations attended the discussion together with DMW lawyer-directors from the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB).

The dialogue focused on strengthening industry cooperation, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring that licensed agencies and regulators remain aligned in their commitment to ethical recruitment and worker protection.

A Continuing Partnership Since 2014

The latest signing marks the fourth Memorandum of Understanding between overseas employment regulators and recruitment industry associations. The first agreement was signed with the former Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in 2014, followed by another renewal in 2018.

After the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers, the partnership was renewed again in 2023 to reflect the transition of responsibilities from POEA to the newly formed government department overseeing overseas employment regulation.

The reaffirmation of the partnership in 2026 highlights the sustained collaboration between regulators and recruitment associations over more than a decade. This continuity demonstrates a long-term commitment to strengthening ethical recruitment frameworks and maintaining responsible migration systems.

Over the years, this partnership has supported initiatives aimed at improving compliance mechanisms, strengthening reporting systems for illegal recruitment, and promoting greater transparency across recruitment activities involving overseas Filipino workers.

What This Means for Overseas Employers

ABD’s Commitment to Ethical Recruitment and Compliance

ABD Overseas Manpower Corporation supports industry initiatives that strengthen lawful, transparent, and responsible overseas recruitment. With more than three decades of experience in international manpower deployment, the organization remains aligned with recruitment standards designed to protect overseas Filipino workers and promote ethical employment practices.

By maintaining compliance with Philippine recruitment regulations and cooperating with industry organizations that support ethical recruitment initiatives, ABD continues to contribute to a responsible overseas employment ecosystem that benefits employers, workers, and regulators.

Related Employer Resources