Budapest: Filipinos in Hungary are regarded as among the most trusted and valued members of the workforce, Hungarian officials told Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a high-level bilateral meeting on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, a news release sent to the media on Tuesday by the Department of Migrant Workers highlighted that Hungarian employers praise Filipino workers for their professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethics. In a meeting with Hungarian officials in Budapest, Cacdac mentioned that Minister of Interior S¡ndor Pint©r noted there are now about 14,000 Filipino workers in Hungary, underscoring their positive contributions to the Hungarian society and workforce.
Pint©r remarked that although Hungary only permits guest workers from countries with a readmission agreement, the Philippines is a special exception. ‘We made a good decision because of the high quality of services that Filipinos provide and their proven record as law-abiding people,’ Pint©r said. He added that starting January 2025, only Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines will be eligible for Hungary’s guest worker program, reflecting Hungary’s deep trust in the Filipino labor force.
Meanwhile, Cacdac expressed the gratitude of the Philippines to the Hungarian government during a meeting with State Secretary Illes Boglarka of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He conveyed the Philippine government’s appreciation for Hungary’s trust and confidence in Filipino workers and reaffirmed the DMW’s dedication to ensuring Filipino workers in Hungary continue to uphold values of professionalism, integrity, and excellence. ‘This partnership with Hungary not only provides meaningful jobs for our workers but also enhances the friendship between our two nations,’ he said. Cacdac also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral relations with Hungary.
The DMW stated that the visit was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to boost bilateral labor cooperation with host countries and ensure the welfare and safety of Filipino workers abroad.
On Saturday, Cacdac also led the inauguration and blessing of the new Philippine Labor Office in Budapest, the first overseas branch established under the DMW since its creation in 2021. The DMW noted that the new office, located near the iconic Hungarian Parliament building, symbolizes the Philippine government’s dedication to serving its overseas citizens. ‘We opened more than just doors; we opened a new chapter of service, compassion, and commitment,’ Cacdac said.
He emphasized that the establishment of the new office highlights the DMW’s steadfast dedication to delivering compassionate, efficient, and integrity-driven service to OFWs abroad. Cacdac stated that the new labor office will serve as a vital hub for assistance, welfare, and labor relations, ensuring the timely delivery of DMW services to the Filipino community in Europe, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
