Mandaluyong city: The Philippines and South Korea have pledged to strengthen protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) while deepening labor and bilateral cooperation. At the Philippines - Republic of Korea Friendship Week celebration held at the DMW office in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, in his video message, recognized many stories of Filipinos and Koreans through migration, cooperation, and cultural exchange, as the two nations mark their 77 years of diplomatic relations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac emphasized the significance of real people and relationships beyond policies and programs. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with South Korea to advance the welfare and protection of Filipino migrant workers and their relations with Korean employers. Cacdac and other key DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officials were unable to attend the event in person due to a Senate inquiry into the OFWs' situation in the Middle East conflict.
South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa stressed that people-to-people exchanges remain central to the partnership between the two countries. He noted the timeliness of the celebration, coinciding with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's recent state visit to the Philippines and bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with progress in bilateral investment and trade, recognizing the vibrant exchange between their peoples as a driving force behind these achievements.
Ambassador Lee also recounted a significant meeting between President Lee and former OFW Ariel Galak, whom Lee had helped secure industrial accident compensation more than 30 years ago. This meeting highlighted the President's longstanding concern for workers' human rights and safety.
Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Bernadette Therese Fernandez acknowledged shortcomings in worker protection mechanisms and assured that both governments are committed to addressing these issues. She emphasized continued cooperation to improve conditions for Filipino workers in South Korea.
DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay reaffirmed the department's commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of OFWs. She noted that the bilateral partnership extends beyond labor collaboration, encompassing education, innovation, cultural exchange, and economic development.
As the Philippine-Korea Friendship Week is celebrated, these initiatives underscore a collective commitment to nurturing a partnership that promotes prosperity, dignity for workers, and a deeper understanding between the Filipino and Korean people. Bay concluded by highlighting the role of OFWs as living bridges of friendship through their professionalism and hard work.
