MANILA - The Philippines and New Zealand are seeking to strengthen their labour partnership by promoting safer recruitment and stronger protections for Filipino migrant workers, as the two countries commemorate six decades of diplomatic relations.
Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the more than 100,000 Filipinos living in New Zealand have become an important link between the two countries through their contributions to various sectors and communities.
“So, we are carrying on, bolstering, emphasizing, highlighting today the friendship that had long been established before us. This milestone reflects six decades of our cooperation and shared commitment to the welfare and dignity of our peoples,” he said at the Philippines - New Zealand Friendship Week celebration in Mandaluyong City on August 25, as reported by Philippines News Agency.
Cacdac said the bilateral labour relationship is anchored by agreements signed in 2008 and 2015 covering labour cooperation, as well as the recruitment and protection of Filipino workers in New Zealand.
He said the agreements established both countries' commitment to ethical recruitment, compliance with national laws and the protection of Filipino workers throughout the migration and employment process.
Manila and Wellington are now exploring additional cooperation on safe labour mobility, regular migration pathways and efforts to combat human trafficking.
Cacdac said the partnership has also expanded alongside wider cooperation between the two countries in the Asia-Pacific region and through regional organisations such as ASEAN.
“The Philippines and New Zealand have consistently sought to ensure that labor mobility is conducted in an orderly, responsible, and mutually beneficial manner, with regard for workers' rights, welfare, and dignity,” he said.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine Rosemary McIntosh said Filipino migrants have become an increasingly significant part of New Zealand's workforce and society.
“Filipinos are one of New Zealand's largest and fastest-growing migrant communities. Their dedication, talent, and hard work enrich our workplaces, our communities and contribute to sectors that are vital to New Zealand's economy, including healthcare, aged care, agriculture, horticulture, construction, hospitality, and education. The list goes on,” she said.
McIntosh added that Filipino New Zealanders contribute beyond the workplace by strengthening local communities and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Kira Christianne Azucena said Manila remains committed to protecting Filipinos in New Zealand, including workers, students and permanent residents.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of the New Zealand government and its agencies in ensuring that our kababayans are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and are supported in building safe and fulfilling lives in New Zealand, together with their families,” she said.
Cacdac said future labour cooperation should focus on the quality of migration opportunities rather than simply increasing the number of Filipinos deployed overseas.
“Ultimately, the success of labor migration should not be measured only by the number of workers abroad. It should be measured by whether these opportunities are decent, fair, safe, and empowering, and whether workers can contribute to their host communities while enjoying the protection and respect they so deserve alongside harmonious relations with their employers,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience as the son of a former overseas Filipino worker, Cacdac said overseas employment represents more than an economic decision for Filipino families, often carrying “hopes and dreams, aspirations, and fulfillment.
“May this 60th anniversary in our Friendship Week serve not only as a celebration of shared accomplishments, but as a renewed commitment to the work ahead, as we continue to build a labor partnership founded on mutual respect, shared responsibility, human dignity, and shared prosperity,” he added.
