The Philippine government has officially sealed a joint memorandum with the Republic of Korea to strengthen the deployment of Filipino seasonal workers under South Korea’s Seasonal Workers Program (SWP). The signing took place on November 4 at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the ceremony, joined by senior officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, and Bureau of Immigration. Representatives from the Korean Embassy in Manila also attended, along with a delegation from Pura, Tarlac and 47 Filipino seasonal workers currently participating in the program.
The agreement sets the framework for a coordinated national effort to support Filipinos employed temporarily in South Korea during peak labor seasons in agriculture and fisheries. It outlines clear procedures for recruitment, training, documentation, worker protection, and reintegration to ensure safe and lawful deployment.
The memorandum reinforces a whole-of-government approach, requiring key Philippine agencies to collaborate in safeguarding the welfare of seasonal workers throughout their employment cycle abroad and upon their return home.
