Marcos: Gov’t working to protect OFWs, give Pinoys jobs

BERLIN – President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to protect the rights of Filipinos working abroad. 

During the joint press conference with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Marcos said the Philippines and Germany have signed the renewal of the Cooperation Programme between the Technical Education Skills Development Authority and  the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training. 

”Both sides are also working towards the conclusion of the Memorandum of Agreement on the placement of skilled workers and other professionals,” the President said.

 Marcos said the renewal of the cooperation program would be an advantage for the Philippines because the country’s workforce will be ”better trained.”  

‘It will be an advantage to Germany because we now have a workforce that can contribute to German economy as well,” Marcos said.

Marcos also acknowledged the important contribution of Filipino healthcare workers and other overseas Filipino workers to the culture and the economy of Germany.

For his part, Scholz said that Germany aims to enhance the cooperation here in the field of vocational training.

”German vocational training is something that is of greatest importance for the quality of the work that is provided. Yes, those are being—we have students that have started in the German universities but we excel especially because of vocational education and training,” Scholz said.

”So, this is a good area for cooperation between the Philippines and the Germany. And I believe it’s important that we also focus on this area: vocational education and training and that we continue to cooperate closely in this sector,” he added.

Scholz also said Filipinos could seize the opportunities in the German labor market following the passage of legislations in the European country for easier entry of foreign workers.

“The legislation that we’ve just passed lay the foundation and make it a lot easier for people to have access to the German labor market,” Scholz said.

“I believe it to be the probably the most advanced and modern legislation in that regard. We know that our prosperity and growth depend on professional workers from outside and we want to create favorable conditions here,” he added. 

There are at least 35,000 Filipinos in Germany who are working in the healthcare, IT, hotel, and hospitality industries.

Marcos is set to have a meet and greet with the Filipino community in Berlin this evening. —LDF/RF/BAP, GMA Integrated News