LABOR COOPERATION. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Ambassador Miloš Koterec of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Manila shake hands after signing a Joint Communiqué in Mandaluyong City on Monday (Sept. 28, 2026). The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation on labor mobility, recruitment procedures, and the protection of Filipino workers. (Photo courtesy of DMW)
MANILA – The Philippines and Slovakia have opened a formal channel to expand employment opportunities for Filipino workers, address labor market needs, and improve recruitment procedures as the two countries strengthen cooperation on labor mobility.
In a press briefing Monday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Philippines-Slovakia Labor Consultation Mechanism, established through a joint communiqué signed Monday with the Ministry of Labour, Social, and Family of the Slovak Republic, would allow both governments to sustain discussions on issues affecting workers and employers.
“This event marks not only a milestone in our bilateral labor cooperation, as so mandated by the President, that we deepen bilateral labor relations with countries hosting OFWs, but also a concrete expression of our shared commitment to ethical recruitment and protection of migrant workers’ rights, and a promotion of inclusive growth and meaningful employment opportunities,” Cacdac said.
“The establishment of a consultation mechanism through this instrument provides an important platform to sustain dialogue, deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including the sharing of employment opportunities and labor market information, improving recruitment procedures and systems, addressing matters concerning the recognition of credentials.”
He said the agreement would provide a platform for the two countries to work on areas of mutual interest while ensuring that the welfare and rights of Filipino workers remain a priority.
Cacdac assured that the Philippines would continue working with Slovakia as the two countries develop their labor partnership.
“There is more work to do, but we are celebrating because it is a milestone and it opens more doors and opportunities between governments, between our people, and the Slovak community,” he said.
Slovak ambassador Miloš Koterec said the new mechanism would give the two governments a framework to continue their dialogue and work together on critical labor issues.
He said labor mobility could also strengthen ties between Filipinos and Slovaks beyond employment and economic concerns, serving as a bridge between the two countries.
Koterec said workers bring not only their skills and economic contributions to another country but also their culture and personal experiences.
“I am confident that the mechanism we establish today will allow us to address challenges, exchange experiences, and most importantly, identify new opportunities that can benefit both Filipinos and Slovaks. I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve my country here in the Philippines, and I look forward to continuing this journey together, building not only strong relations between our nations, but stronger connections between our people,” he said. (PNA)