Manila, Sept. 23 -- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has pushed for stronger safeguards for Filipino migrant fisher workers, considered among the most vulnerable workers in the sea-based sector.

In a news release on Wednesday, the DMW said it sought closer cooperation with ASEAN countries on fair and ethical recruitment in a meeting with partners on Tuesday at its Central Office in Mandaluyong City.

The meeting covered the ASEAN Declaration on Fair, Ethical, and Sustainable Recruitment and measures to protect migrant workers deployed to ASEAN countries.

Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara noted that the DMW prioritizes migrant fisher workers because of their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.

"The Department of Migrant...