Hans Leo Javier Cacdac was born in Manila to Ilocano and Negrense parents. His father,Napoleon Cacdac,a World War II veteran,began his journey as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) with the US state-run news network Voice of America (VOA),an experience that would later influence Hans's career in migrant workers' affairs.[3]
Cacdac (2nd from right) during the Laging Handa Press Briefing at the Malacañan Palace in 2020
After passing the bar,Cacdac began his career as an associate lawyer and served as the Urban Poor Unit Coordinator at the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (Saligan) until 2001.
In 2010,President Benigno Aquino III appointed Cacdac as DOLE's Undersecretary for Labor Relations,where he worked on labor policy and administration. He returned to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in 2012 as its administrator,a position he held for four years. During his time at POEA,he focused on regulating recruitment agencies,suspending licenses,and blacklisting agencies involved in trafficking,excessive placement fees,and deceptive practices.
Cacdac's expertise in overseas employment grew as he served as administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). During his tenure,the POEA suspended licenses of overseas recruiters who violated POEA requirements,blacklisting agencies involved in trafficking,charging excessive placement fees,and deceiving domestic workers.[5] This was followed by his leadership role at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA),where he focused on advocating for the welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers.
Department of Migrant Workers
In 2022,Cacdac was appointed as the undersecretary for welfare and foreign employment at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under Secretary Susan Ople. He held this position until 2023. Following the passing of Secretary Ople,Cacdac served as the officer-in-charge of the DMW for approximately seven months and was one of the department's inaugural undersecretaries.
On September 7,2023,President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Cacdac as secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers,succeeding Ople after her death. His appointment reinforced his ongoing dedication to supporting overseas Filipino workers and their families. Due to an adjournment by the Commission on Appointments,he was reappointed as interim DMW Secretary to maintain operational continuity.[6][7]
Leadership as DMW secretary
As secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers,Cacdac has prioritized the protection and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). During the 2024 Israel–Hamas conflict,he played a crucial role in coordinating the repatriation of Filipino workers from Israel,stating,"We stand continually ready to assist and support our kababayans*who wish to go home for safety and security."[8]
Personal life
Cacdac is married to Ruby Alvarez from Davao City. They have a daughter,Lourdes Severine.[9]
Notes
↑ DMW undersecretary Cacdac was first assigned Officer in Charge of the department from September 7, 2023 to April 25, 2024, after the death of Sec. Ople and has assumed the position of secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers on April 26, 2024.[1][2]
Director of the Administrative and Financial Services Office
Rosalynne L. Sanchez
Chief Accountant of the Accounting Division
Julieta L. Villadelrey
Chief of the Legal Affairs Division
Emily Rose Torrentira
*as Officer-in-charge **in Concurrent capacity
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