Mandaluyong city: The Philippines and New Zealand have reinforced their bilateral cooperation on migrant labor, focusing on safer and more responsible recruitment practices and stronger protections for Filipino workers. This initiative comes as the two nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the Philippines-New Zealand Friendship Week celebration in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the role of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their New Zealand employers in strengthening the long-standing ties between the two countries. Cacdac emphasized the importance of continuing to bolster the friendship established over the decades, reflecting a commitment to the welfare and dignity of both nations' peoples.
Cacdac pointed to key agreements, such as the Memorandum of Agreement on Labor Cooperation signed in 2008 and the 2015 Agreement on Principles and Controls for Recruiting and Safeguarding Filipino Workers in New Zealand. These agreements serve as the foundation for labor partnerships, emphasizing ethical recruitment, legal compliance, and the protection of Filipino workers during migration and employment.
Discussions are ongoing between the two countries to further enhance cooperation on safe labor mobility, regular migration pathways, and anti-human trafficking efforts. Over the years, this bilateral relationship has deepened, influenced by broader Asia-Pacific engagement and a shared commitment to regional cooperation, including through ASEAN.
Cacdac noted that more than 100,000 Filipinos reside in New Zealand, contributing significantly as healthcare professionals, skilled workers, educators, and tradespeople. This diaspora serves as a living bridge of friendship, enhancing cultural understanding, economic cooperation, and social ties between the two nations.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Catherine Rosemary McIntosh, acknowledged the significant contributions of Filipino migrants to New Zealand society. She praised their dedication, talent, and hard work, which enrich various sectors vital to New Zealand's economy such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Kira Christianne Azucena, reiterated the Philippine government's commitment to the welfare of Filipinos in New Zealand, including migrant workers, students, and permanent residents. She expressed gratitude for the New Zealand government's cooperation in ensuring that Filipinos are treated with dignity and respect.
Cacdac stressed that the focus of labor cooperation should be on workers' welfare rather than merely deployment numbers. Success in labor migration should be measured by the quality and safety of opportunities available to workers, allowing them to contribute positively to their host communities while maintaining harmonious employer relations.
Reflecting on his own experience as the son of a former OFW, Cacdac highlighted the hopes and aspirations tied to overseas work for Filipino families. He expressed hope that the 60th anniversary of Friendship Week would not only celebrate shared accomplishments but also serve as a renewed commitment to building a labor partnership based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, human dignity, and shared prosperity.
