PH, Czech Republic to establish labor consultation mechanism

The Philippines and Czech Republic will sign a joint communiqué on the establishment of a labor consultation mechanism that aims to ensure the safe migration of Filipinos there.

This was announced by Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre during the pre-departure briefing for President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s working visit to Berlin, Germany, and Prague, Czech Republic, next week.

''In the Czech Republic, we will sign a joint communiqué on the establishment of a labor consultation mechanism that aims to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic for the safe and orderly migration of Filipino workers, as well as for the provision of higher protection of their rights and welfare,'' Algabre said on Friday.

''There are also other agreements in the pipeline that we are closely working on with the Czech side,'' she added.

According to Algabre, there are currently about 7,000 skilled and professional Filipino workers in the Czech Republic.

''The Czech Republic has expressed its interest [in encouraging] more Filipinos to participate in the labor market. In fact, they have announced a yearly quota for Filipinos starting this May of 10,000 Filipinos who may enter the Czech Republic for work,'' she said.

Algabre said that Marcos would also meet with Filipinos there ''to personally share his administration's plans and programs for the OFWs and reaffirm the Philippine government's commitment to supporting Filipinos worldwide.'' —VBL, GMA Integrated News