MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday welcomed the signing of the Joint Communique on Labor Consultations Mechanism between the Philippines and the Czech Republic aimed at establishing a system to discuss areas of mutual interests, including proper procedure in employing Filipino citizens in the Central European country.

“But just before this press conference, President Pavel and I witnessed the signing of the Joint Communique to establish a labor consultations mechanism between the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers and the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs,” President Marcos said during the joint press statement with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague Castle.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) proposed for the signing of the PH-CZ Joint Communique on Labor Consultations Mechanism to tackle labor issues and for more organized deployment of Filipino workers.

Given the increasing demand for Filipino workers, DMW deemed it necessary for the Philippines and the Czech Republic to enter into a labor agreement, aimed at an orderly deployment; outlining the rights and responsibilities of both participants; and ensuring that recruitment is implemented in a fair and ethical manner.

Marcos also noted the Czech Republic’s announcement on the quota increase for Filipino workers to 10,300 per year starting May 2024, stressing that the top priority of the Philippines is the protection of the rights and well-being of the Filipino people.

“We are ready to cooperate in ensuring the orderly deployment of Filipinos to your country, in accordance with both Czech and Philippine laws,” he said.

As of December 31, 2023, the number of estimated Filipinos in the Czech Republic is 7,026 based on data from the Czech Ministry of Interior.

The Filipino workers there are engaged in Czech Republic’s processing industry, automotive, repairs of appliances, manufacturing, IT communications, real estate, health/wellness, and household service work.

Per current figures, Prague remains to host the highest number of Filipinos in the Czech Republic with 1,511; followed by South Moravia with 1,242; Central Bohemia, 905; and many other jurisdictions. (PND)