PH, Germany renew agreement to upskill Filipino workers

BERLIN, March 14 ------ The Philippines and Germany agreed to renew the "Cooperation Program" between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training which targets to upskill and reskill Filipino workers. “Noting Germany’s interest in expanded labor cooperation to include other Filipino skilled workers and professionals, the Philippines reaffirms our commitment to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos around the world,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a joint press conference. “Towards this end, our countries will sign the renewal of the Cooperation Programme between Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training during my visit here in Germany. Both sides are also working towards the conclusion of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals,” he added. 

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the “cooperation program” includes capacity-building measures, exchange on policy research and knowledge management, support evaluation for apprenticeship and dual training systems programs, and support evaluation and improvement of the Study on the Employment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Graduates (SETG), among others. Additionally, President Marcos announced that the Philippines and Germany are finalizing the Memorandum of Agreement on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals. “We will continue to work on other agreements across various areas of cooperation, and look forward to their conclusion in the near future,” he said. 

FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN GERMANY  

President Marcos also thanked the Filipino community, especially the overseas Filipino workers in Germany, for their contributions to the Philippine economy.  

He noted that in 2023, OFWs’ remittances reached a record-breaking amount of $33.5 billion, becoming one of the main drivers of the country’s economic growth last year. “You are the envoys. Para kayong mga ambassador lahat ng ating kultura. You exemplify the values of family, faith, honesty, hard work, compassion, and solidarity wherever you go,” Marcos said. “Your presence in host countries fosters, hindi lamang dito sa Germany kundi lahat ng ating mga kababayan na nagtatrabaho sa iba’t ibang bansa at – the host countries foster goodwill and understanding. It strengthens the bonds between our two nations. It enriches the global community,” he added. 

Source: news.abs-cbn.com