RP, Manitoba sign MOU

RP, Manitoba sign MOU

MANILA–The Philippines and the Canadian Province of Manitoba agreed to cooperate on human resource development (HRD) and the deployment of overseas Filipino workers.

The agreement was made through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Labor Secretary Arturo D. Brion and Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba, Canada Friday (Feb. 8).

“This agreement builds on the close relationship that already exists between Manitoba and the Philippines. By working together, we hope we can improve the application process, strengthen worker protection and improve on meeting the needs of employers,” Mr. Doer said in a press statement.

Mr. Brion meanwhile said that the MOU signing is an indication of Manitoba’s recognition of Filipino workers who can fill its skills requirements.

He pointed out that it was a milestone in government efforts to help Filipino workers find gainful employment opportunities that provide enough protection from unscrupulous recruiters and exploitative employers overseas.

He further added that the MOU will not only cover cooperation on recruitment and deployment of Filipinos but will ensure that the process is in compliance with laws and regulations on labor and employment prevailing in the Philippines.

Manitoba allows 12,000 immigrants per year and Mr. Doer said that more than 25% of this is composed of Filipinos. There are nearly 50,000 Filipinos in Manitoba today.

Mr. Doer also relayed in a media briefing that Filipinos who want to go Manitoba can expect jobs in healthcare, manufacture, teaching, nursing and service sector among others.

Mr. Doer along with his delegation of industry leaders and immigration officials are currently on a 7-day mission in the Philippines that ends on Feb. 13. The mission seeks to promote Manitoba as the prime location for immigration and investment, as well as introduce the Canadian province to new opportunities in the Philippines to further diversify Manitoba’s export markets.

Two-way trading between the Philippines and Manitoba totaled $29 million in 2006.

BUSINESS WORLD