KUALA LUMPUR - The Philippines and South Korea have pledged to strengthen protections for overseas Filipino workers while deepening labour and bilateral cooperation.

The commitment was highlighted during the Philippines-Republic of Korea Friendship Week celebration held at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, as reported by Philippines News Agency.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, in a video message, underscored the human dimension of migration between the two countries.

“As captured in the book bio, Stories of Migration, these remind us that beyond policies and programs are real people, real journeys, real relationships, and shared dreams and aspirations.

“We continue to strengthen our collaboration with the Republic of Korea in advancing the welfare and protection of Filipino migrant workers and their harmonious relations with Korean employers,” he said.

Cacdac and other senior officials from DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) were unable to attend in person.

Their absence was due to a Senate inquiry into the situation of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East conflict.

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges in bilateral ties.

He said the Friendship Week celebration marked a significant milestone in relations between the two nations.

He noted the timing of the event following South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s recent state visit to the Philippines.

During the visit, President Lee held a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Lee said both leaders expressed satisfaction with progress in investment and trade relations.

“At the same time, they showed a deep recognition that behind all these shining achievements, the most important driving force has been the vibrant exchange between the peoples of our two countries,” he said.

He also recounted a meeting between President Lee and former overseas Filipino worker Ariel Galak.

Galak had worked in South Korea in 1992 and suffered a workplace accident without receiving proper compensation.

Lee said the President, then a human rights lawyer, helped Galak secure the compensation he was entitled to.

“Their recent meeting was a powerful reminder of our President's longstanding and heartfelt concern for the human rights, workplace safety, and occupational health of all workers, both Korean and foreign,” he said.

He added that more than 100,000 Filipinos have entered South Korea under the Employment Permit System since 2004.

He described them as “true goodwill ambassadors” of bilateral relations.

Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Bernadette Therese Fernandez acknowledged gaps in worker protection mechanisms.

She said both governments are working to address these shortcomings.

“We wish to assure the public that the Embassy of the Philippines and all relevant agencies will not permit these unintended circumstances or cases to continue,” she said.

She added that both countries are committed to improving conditions for Filipino workers in South Korea.

Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting overseas workers.

She said the bilateral partnership continues to expand beyond labour cooperation.

These include collaboration in education, innovation, cultural exchange and economic development.

“As we celebrate the Philippine-Korea Friendship Week, we reaffirm our collective commitment to nurturing a partnership that continues to promote prosperity, dignity for workers, and a deeper understanding between our people,” Bay said.

She added that overseas Filipino workers serve as bridges of friendship between the two nations.

They do so through their professionalism, resilience and hard work.