More Filipinos are bound to get job opportunities in the Czech Republic after the Central European nation expressed its interest in hosting more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) due to their work ethic, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

DFA Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre said this as President Marcos is set to visit Germany and the Czech Republic from March 11 to 15.

In a pre-departure briefing in Malacañan, Algabre said the Czech Republic had increased the yearly quota for Filipino workers in their country from 5,000 to 10,000 beginning in May of this year.

"Starting January 2024, the quota is 5,000. The Czech [Republic], they have announced that this will be increased beginning May to 10,000 for the Filipinos only," she said.

The DFA official said this is mainly due to the OFWs' work ethic in addition to the shortage in Europe's working population.

"They really appreciate the work ethic of our countrymen, and their talent and skills – so that’s one. So they do get a premium in terms of recruitment and benefits," Algabre said.

"They know that our skills even in our, you know, our hospitable nature, in our very pleasant attitude at work – lagi tayong nakangiti (we are always smiling)," she added.

The Philippines and the Czech Republic will sign a joint communique on the establishment of a labor consultations mechanism during President Marcos' visit to Prague on March 14.

The said mechanism aims to enhance cooperation between both countries for the safe and orderly migration of Filipino workers and to provide higher protection of their rights and welfare.

There are approximately 7,000 Filipinos in the Czech Republic.