THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the Philippines are now gearing up for a Friendship Week to further enhance bilateral labor relations and cultural cooperation.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac met with H.E. Karel Hejč, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Philippines, to discuss the collaborative activities that will highlight the strong cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic in upholding safe and ethical labor migration.
Ambassador Hejč, along with Deputy Head of Mission Dalibor Mička and Consul Jiří Kvasnička, was welcomed by Secretary Cacdac together with DMW Undersecretaries Felicitas Q. Bay and Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan during a meeting at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City on Thursday, 15 May 2025.
“We must continually reflect on how we can best nurture good relations between Filipino workers and their employers in the Czech Republic. As Filipino families become more mindful of Czech culture—thanks to the experiences of our OFWs—we see this as an opportunity to build deeper mutual respect. It is a shared journey that enriches both communities,” Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac responded.
The meeting highlighted collaborative activities, including a Job Fair exclusively for Czech Republic employers, set to take place at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas. Eight Philippine recruitment agencies with accredited Czech employers and approved job orders are expected to participate.
Both parties also emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring the success of PH-Czech Friendship Week, particularly in showcasing Czech culture and traditions.
“We will find a way to keep the Filipino in the Czech Republic. We must understand and address the push and pull factors to make them willing to stay,” Ambassador Hejc said.
The meeting also marks another step toward enhancing PH-Czech relations built on mutual respect, shared values, and people-centered diplomacy.
Currently, around 9,000 Filipino workers are employed in the Czech Republic.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Department of Migrant Workers Facebook Page.
