Philippines, Canada sign first-ever federal-level labor agreement — DMW

The Philippines and Canada have signed their first-ever federal-level labor agreement, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Friday.

"Dati kasi ang agreements natin ay with the different provinces… such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, among others. British Columbia as well," DMW chief Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press briefing.

(Before, our agreements were with the different provinces, such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, among others.)

Under the joint declaration of intent (JDI), Cacdac said the recruitment and deployment of workers will be governed and regulated by the laws of both countries.

He also said there will no recruitment fees charged for employees.

"No such recruitment fees and related costs shall be charged against the workers and job seekers, kasama na dito 'yung dinadaing natin na ginagawa overcharging or charging na ginagawa ng Immigration consultancies dito sa Pilipinas with the intent to hire a particular job seeker," he said.

(No such recruitment fees and related costs shall be charged against the workers and job seekers, including what we have been raising about the overcharging or charging being done by immigration consultancies here in the Philippines with the intent to hire a particular job seeker.)

Cacdac said the DMW has also directed the closure of several consultancies or travel agencies that illegally hired workers for employment in Canada.

According to Cacdac, the licensing and registration will also be regulated to ensure fair and ethical practices.

He said both countries will also discuss the licensing and regulation of workers' credentials.

"Ito nabanggit din ito ng ating Pangulo with respect to mutual recognition of a worker's credentials para hindi na mag-ukol pa ng pagod o pag-aaral o panahon ang isang worker para mag-aral muli," he said.

(This was also mentioned by our President with respect to mutual recognition of a worker's credentials, so that workers will no longer have to spend additional effort, time, or study to undergo training again.)

Earlier this month, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. completed a four-day official visit to Canada, in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties between Manila and Ottawa. — VDV, GMA News