Towards Disability-Responsive Migration: DMN’s Second face-to-face Capacity Building Workshop for Persons with Disabilities

By Ma. Vhiktoria “Chavek” Siva and Karla Henson

On July 25–26, 2025, the Disability Migration Network (DMN) hosted its second Labor Migration 101: Capacity Building Workshop for Persons with Disabilities at Bayview Park Hotel in Ermita, Manila. The two-day event brought together a dynamic group of participants, persons with disabilities curious about working abroad, persons who migrated with a disability, former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and seafarers who acquired disabilities overseas, and long-time disability rights advocates.

The workshop served as both a learning platform and a safe space to share lived experiences at the intersection of disability and migration. Participants explored the challenges, risks, and rights of migrant workers, equipping themselves with knowledge to make informed decisions and advocate for a more inclusive migration system.

Renowned migration advocate Ms. Ellene Sana of the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) served as the lead resource person, guiding the discussions with depth and clarity. On the first day, she was joined by representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for a panel discussion that tackled policy gaps, clarified procedures, and addressed participant concerns directly. At this point returnee migrant workers had the opportunity to raise questions and concerns about their experiences and are now in coordination with the DMW for clarity on their cases.

Abner Manlapaz of Life Haven Center for Independent Living, a leading disability rights advocate, discussed key concepts on disability, what it means, the different approaches, and most importantly, the rights-based approach to disability. His session helped frame the migration conversation within the broader context of disability inclusion, helping participants understand both the systemic and personal dimensions of the issues they face.

Grounded in Ms. Sana’s powerful reminder: “Ang mag-abroad ay di biro” (“Going abroad is no joke”), the workshop emphasized the importance of rights awareness, informed decision-making, and empowerment of all OFWs, especially those with disabilities. The event also reinforced the DMN’s commitment to building a migration system that recognizes and responds to the diverse realities of persons with disabilities.