MANILA - More than 200 Filipino nurses and care workers are set to depart for Japan this week under a long-running labour mobility programme between the two countries.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the 18th batch comprises 211 healthcare professionals, including five nurses and 206 care workers, as reported by Philippines News Agency. 

The workers will be deployed under the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac described the group as “healthcare ambassadors” representing the skills, dedication and resilience of Filipino healthcare professionals.

“I see the new healthcare ambassadors of Filipino compassion, excellence, and resilience. You, the 18th batch, are a testament to the deep and enduring trust Japan holds for the Filipino people,” he said.

The workers completed six months of preparatory training before deployment.

The programme included Japanese language instruction, cultural orientation and workplace preparation to help participants adapt to living and working in Japan.

Training was also designed to support candidates seeking professional certifications and licences required within Japan’s healthcare system.

The group is scheduled to leave on June 10 and 11.

They will be assigned to hospitals and eldercare facilities across Japan.

Cacdac encouraged the participants to remain adaptable and continue pursuing professional qualifications after arrival.

He also assured them that government support would remain available through the Department of Migrant Workers and overseas Migrant Workers Offices.

The send-off ceremony was led by Undersecretary Felicitas Bay and the Pre-Employment Government Placement Bureau.

Representatives from the Japanese government and partner institutions also attended the event.

Among them were Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi, Labour Attaché Suzuki Yuki and officials from the Japan Foundation.

The Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), which entered into force in 2008, serves as a framework for economic cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.

One of its key components allows qualified Filipino nurses and care workers to work in Japan while undergoing language training and professional development.

Participants are given opportunities to obtain Japanese professional licences, enabling them to continue working in the country's healthcare and eldercare sectors.