A Philippine-Czech Republic Friendship Week is underway, offering an exclusive job fair for Filipinos eyeing overseas work.

In a news release on Friday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the event is scheduled on May 21–22 at the Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the initiative aims to further enhance bilateral labor relations and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

“We must continually reflect on how we can best nurture good relations between Filipino workers and their employers in the Czech Republic,” Cacdac said.

“As Filipino families become more mindful of Czech culture, thanks to the experiences of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), we see this as an opportunity to build deeper mutual respect. It is a shared journey that enriches both communities.”

On Thursday, Cacdac welcomed to the DMW office in Mandaluyong City Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Philippines, Karel Hejč, along with Deputy Head of Mission Dalibor Mička and Consul Jiří Kvasnička.

Earlier, DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the initiative follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2024 state visit to Prague, where a joint labor communique was signed to expand cooperation.

“Ang Czech Republic po ay nag-allot ng pinakamaraming slots para sa foreign workers para sa mga Pilipino, amounting to more than 10,000, actually 10,500 slots para sa Pilipino. Tayo po ang number one sa dami po nang binigay nilang slots para po sa kanilang mga foreign labor needs para po sa Czech Republic (The Czech Republic has allotted the most slots for foreign workers for Filipinos, amounting to more than 10,000, actually 10,500 slots for Filipinos. We are number one in the number of slots they have given for their foreign labor needs for the Czech Republic),” Caunan said.

The job fair will include eight accredited Philippine recruitment agencies with approved job orders from Czech employers.

Job openings include roles in construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and skilled trades, such as welders, machine operators, butchers, receptionists, and housekeeping staff.

Job seekers are advised to pre-register online via the DMW’s official Facebook page to secure slots for the event.

During the discussion between Cacdac and the Czech officials, the meeting focused on the continuous strengthening of cooperation and the upholding of safe and ethical labor migration standards.

Both parties also underscored the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring the success of PH-Czech Friendship Week, particularly in showcasing Czech culture and traditions.

“We will find a way to keep the Filipinos in the Czech Republic. We must understand and address the push and pull factors to make them willing to stay,” Hejc said.

Currently, there are around 9,000 Filipino workers employed in the Czech Republic. (PNA)