Philippines, South Korea to deepen labor cooperation as Seoul hails DOLE reforms
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- Expanded labor ties: South Korea shows interest in strengthening cooperation with the Philippines on employment services and workforce development.
- Delegation meeting: Philippine officials led by DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres met with Korea's MOEL and KRIVET to discuss joint programs.
- Key priorities: Focus on skills forecasting, vocational training, career guidance, and enhancing job matching and digital employment platforms.
Philippine and South Korean officials meet to strengthen labor cooperation and explore joint programs on workforce development, skills training, and employment facilitation. (Photo from DOLE)
The Philippines has drawn South Korea’s interest to expand collaboration on employment services and workforce development following Seoul’s recognition of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) modernization efforts.
The DOLE said the talks reflect growing international confidence in the country’s labor reforms.
Led by DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, along with Assistant Secretary Joel M. Gonzales and Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr., the Philippine delegation met with Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) and the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET) to explore areas for joint programs.
The Korean delegation, including Senior Deputy Director Hea-eun Choi of MOEL and researchers from KRIVET, shared advanced practices in skills forecasting, career guidance, and vocational training.
Torres said the exchange will help DOLE enhance job matching, expand digital employment platforms, and prepare Filipino workers for emerging industries.
The engagement also opens doors for joint research, training exchanges, and technical cooperation.
Both countries agreed to continue discussions in the coming months to finalize collaborative projects.