By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has sent off a total of 218 Filipino health workers bound for Japan.
In a news release Thursday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the deployment on Wednesday is proof of the growing strength of the two nations’ relations, particularly in people-centered cooperation under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).
During the event, officials from both the Philippines and the Japanese governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through human resource exchange.
In his speech, Cacdac noted that the send-off is more than a deployment but a “partnership in action”.
He said that every Filipino worker sent not only fills a crucial need in Japan’s health system, but also symbolizes the trust and shared values between the two countries.
Cacdac praised the workers, calling them “Olympic gold medalists” of caregiving, underscoring their role in delivering world-class service and compassion.
“It’s been proven time and again. It’s you guys who are number one. You are the Olympic gold medalists every single day. Nobody can do what you can do,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yokota Naobumi, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, acknowledged the significance of the deployment.
“The government of Japan and the government of the Philippines, all of us who support this program, are cheering you on. We firmly believe in each and every one of you,” he said.
Ben Suzuki, Director of the Japan Foundation Manila, emphasized the values Filipino workers bring to Japan.
“For Filipino people, working abroad means a sacrifice rooted from love for their family and dignity of life more than earning enough income. The dedication and cultural values that can help enrich today’s Japanese society,” he noted.
The DMW said the program includes rigorous training and cultural preparation for the Filipino workers, equipping them with language proficiency and healthcare-specific skills tailored to Japan’s needs.
Since 2009, a total of 655 nurses and 3,760 care workers have been deployed to Japan under the program.
This sustained flow of professionals highlights the deepening cooperation in addressing Japan’s demographic challenges while opening global opportunities for skilled Filipinos.
The DMW said this is the 17th batch of PJEPA professionals, consisting of 19 nurses and 199 careworkers.
They are scheduled to depart on June 10 and 11 to begin their assignments in Japan’s healthcare sector.
Cacdac, meanwhile, assured that the welfare and rights of OFWs remain the priority of the DMW.
“Wala nang inisip pa si President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kundi kayo, our dear OFWs. (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thinks of nothing but you, our dear OFWs). Especially those whom we send off today with pride,” he said. (PNA)
