Philippines and Germany Commit to Enhanced Bilateral Relations and Labor Cooperation

Mandaluyong City, Philippines – The Philippines and Germany have pledged to strengthen their bilateral ties, focusing particularly on labor cooperation and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Germany. The commitment was made during the Philippines-Germany Friendship Week’s kickoff at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) head office. Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, represented by Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara, and German Chargé d’Affaires Mathias Kruse, emphasized the importance of this event in celebrating the robust bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to Philippines News Agency, approximately 12,665 Filipino temporary migrants, predominantly nurses, currently reside and work in Germany. Cacdac highlighted the event’s objective to underscore the strong partnership between the Philippines and Germany in promoting fair and ethical recruitment practices that ensure decent work conditions for migrant workers. The weeklong celebration, concluding on Friday, features the success stories of OFWs in Germany, educational seminars, and discussions on the challenges faced by Filipino migrants, particularly in skilled worker migration.

A photo booth exhibit at the DMW main office and an online “Kamustahan” session with OFWs in Germany are among the event’s highlights. The DMW and the German Embassy will also offer free German language lessons from the Geothe-Institut Philippinen to participating OFWs. Kruse expressed his gratitude for the initiative, which underscores the successful collaboration between the two nations in ensuring fair, ethical, and safe recruitment. Recently, the German Embassy announced plans to work with the Philippine government on an agreement to streamline the recruitment of Filipino professionals in sectors beyond healthcare, adhering to the highest recruitment standards.