The Philippines is looking to deploy Filipino workers to the Federated States of Micronesia after the deployment ban in the island nation was lifted.
President Marcos expressed the intention to Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley W. Simina during their meeting on Friday, Oct. 13.
Marcos said now that the ban on new workers has been lifted, it would change the dynamics and enable Filipinos to see certain things that can be done in Micronesia.
The President said the country can provide Micronesia with the necessary workforce as both countries are looking at strengthening their cooperation in the maritime sector, peace and security, people-to-people, and government-to-government partnerships.
“[F]or all of us with the things that are a little bit volatile all around the world. I think it’s important that we have the strength and relations and our partnerships around the world, not only in our region but around the world. So, hopefully that would be one of our main cornerstones, our main effort between our two countries is to find a way," Marcos told Simina.
The Department of Migrant Workers, through advisory No. 25, lifted the total deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Micronesia.
"We are lucky in the Philippines that we have a very young workforce and they are very used to working in other countries,” Marcos further said.
“I am sure that they will be those who will take up the offer to live and work in Micronesia. And I think the fact that you’re not that far away is also big advantage," he added.
Simina, for his part, said Micronesia is particularly interested in policing and maintaining order, adding that Micronesia sees the Philippines’ expertise in this area and wants its police force to train with Filipino police officers.
During their meeting, Simina also expressed belief that the Philippines’ seat in the United Nation Security Council is crucial particularly in calming regional situation and maintaining stability, saying it would not only promote Philippines’ interest but the region as well.