Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and South Korea marked more than two decades of labor cooperation on Tuesday, March 24, with a Friendship Week event in Manila, highlighting the growing role of Filipino workers in strengthening ties between the two countries.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers, co-hosted the ROK–Philippines Friendship Week on Labor Cooperation, bringing together government officials and Filipino migrant workers.
The event also followed the recent state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to the Philippines, serving as a platform to deepen people-to-people exchanges and expand bilateral cooperation.
Officials said the celebration commemorates over 20 years of labor partnership since the Philippines became the first country to send workers to South Korea under its Employment Permit System in 2004. Since then, more than 100,000 Filipinos have worked in South Korea through the program.
In his remarks, South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa praised Filipino workers for their contributions to Korean society.
He said their dedication and work ethic have helped enhance the Philippines’ image in South Korea, while also noting the Korean government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all workers, including foreign nationals.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said labor cooperation remains a key pillar of relations between the two countries, which have maintained diplomatic ties since 1949.
He noted that more than 70,000 Filipinos are currently employed in South Korea across sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture, describing them as “bridges of friendship” between the two nations.
