𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬

On December 2, 2024, the third Bangsamoro Annual Recruitment Agency Summit (BARAS) was held at Surya Hall, Mall of Alnor in Cotabato City. Organized by the Bureau of Employment Promotion and Welfare (BEPW) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), the event aimed to strengthen recruitment practices and combat illegal recruitment activities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Event Highlights

• Representatives from accredited recruitment agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Cotabato City attended the summit.
• MOLE Minister Muslimin Sema, represented by Bangsamoro Director General Surab Abutazil, Jr., emphasized unity and cooperation in advancing the welfare of overseas Bangsamoro workers.
• BEPW Director Sara Jane Sinsuat expressed gratitude for participants' support in eliminating illegal recruitment.
• Local recruitment agencies presented annual reports and best practices:
  • Athenna International Manpower Services, Inc. highlighted transparent communication and monitoring throughout the recruitment process.
  • Doha Energy International Manpower Services, Inc. stressed stringent screening procedures to ensure quality domestic workers.
  • Additional agencies in attendance included MMML Recruitment Services, Inc., Eastern Overseas Employment Center, Inc., Top High Global Resources, Inc., 3МЕ Manpower Services, and Noor International Personnel Services, Inc., all accredited under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 9.
• Law enforcement representatives, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-BARMM and Cotabato City Police Office, pledged continued cooperation to address illegal recruitment.
• MOLE Deputy Minister Tommy Nawa reaffirmed the collective commitment to just and ethical recruitment.
• The summit concluded with a ceremonial signing on a commitment wall, symbolizing unified resolve against illegal recruitment and support for Bangsamoro migrant workers.

Purpose and Impact

The summit underscored MOLE’s dedication to fortifying moral governance and ethical practices in the recruitment sector, aiming to create a more competitive and transparent labor and employment landscape in the Bangsamoro region.