Job market data, recruitment systems and the recognition of workers’ credentials will now be discussed regularly between the Philippines and Slovakia through a labor consultation mechanism. The two governments agreed to create it in a Joint Communiqué signed on September 28, 2026.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac signed for Manila. Ambassador Miloš Koterec of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Manila signed on behalf of Slovakia’s Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family.
Koterec said the arrangement is meant to do more than strengthen ties between the two governments. He said it should also create openings for companies and for the people of both nations. He also spoke about his own time in the country.
“In a relatively short period of time, Filipinos have made me feel very welcome here. This openness has made my experience in the Philippines particularly special. Perhaps this is one reason I see such great potential in bringing our people together more closely through education, culture, business, people-to-people contacts, and, importantly, opportunities for Filipinos and Slovaks to work and live alongside one another,” the ambassador said.
Cacdac described the mechanism as a standing platform that will keep both sides talking on shared concerns. These include exchanging information on available jobs and labor markets, improving how workers are recruited, and resolving questions on whether qualifications earned in one country are recognized in the other.
He tied the agreement to a directive from the President to expand labor relations with countries where overseas Filipino workers are employed.
“This event marks not only a milestone in our bilateral labor cooperation, as mandated by the President to deepen bilateral labor relations with countries hosting OFWs, but also a concrete expression of our shared commitment to ethical recruitment, the protection of migrant workers’ rights, and the promotion of inclusive growth and meaningful employment opportunities,” Cacdac said.
