PH-Germany vow stronger ties as Friendship Week kicks off

STRONGER TIES. The Philippines-Germany Friendship Week kicks off at the Department of Migrant Workers office in Mandaluyong City on Monday (Nov. 13, 2023). The two countries vowed to continue for stronger bilateral tires and improve labor cooperation to benefit overseas Filipino workers. (Photo: Department of Migrant Workers/Facebook)

During the kick-off celebration of the Philippines–Germany Friendship Week on Monday held at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) head office in Mandaluyong City, officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, through Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara, and German Chargé d’Affaires Mathias Kruse, said the celebration is a testament of the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

Based on DMW data, about 12,665 Filipino temporary migrants, mostly nurses, are currently living and working in Germany.

“This event aims to highlight the strong partnership between the Philippines and Germany in upholding fair and ethical recruitment that ensures decent work for our migrant workers,” Cacdac said in his message.

The weeklong celebration that will end on Friday also highlights the success stories of OFWs in Germany, and the firm commitment of the German government to uphold the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

It also features educational seminars and presentation on the challenges encountered by Filipino migrants in Germany, as well as on the migration of skilled workers.

A photo booth exhibit on the stories of dedication, perseverance and resilience of OFWs in Germany was also placed at the DMW main office, as well as an online “Kamustahan” among OFWs at the job site.

The DMW and the German Embassy will also provide free German language lessons from Geothe-Institut Philippinen to the OFWs participating in the celebration.

Kruse expressed his gratitude to the DMW for initiating the Philippine-Germany Friendship Week that celebrates the success of the two nations in ensuring fair, ethical and safe recruitment.

In an event last week, the German Embassy said it is working on an agreement with the Philippine government to help streamline recruitment of Filipino professionals in sectors other than health care, following highest standards of recruitment.