PH Embassy in Chile, DTI, DOLE, and PRC hold Stakeholders Consultation for the Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Santiago PE, PRC, DTI, and DOLE with the Filipino Professionals during the virtual consultation

SANTIAGO 01 August 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Chile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) jointly organized a virtual consultation for licensed Filipino professionals residing and working in Chile.

This initiative aimed to gather their insights for the Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (PHL-CHL CEPA) negotiations.

The consultation was spearheaded by the DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations, with Director Jan Dela Vega presenting the broader economic objectives of the CEPA. He emphasized the importance of enhanced professional mobility in contributing to overall trade in services.

Atty. Melissa Jane Comafay Yeachana from the PRC provided updates on the procedures related to professional services.

The stakeholder consultation focused on how Filipino professionals can potentially benefit from the CEPA through their mobility and recognition of their qualifications in Chile. The online meeting aimed to collect targeted feedback from PRC license holders across various fields, including healthcare workers, engineers, electricians, and teachers, to ensure that their concerns and opportunities are adequately addressed in the evolving agreement.

Key topics discussed during the consultation included: (1) Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs); (2) Facilitation of Professional Mobility, such as streamlining visa processes, permits, and other requirements for Filipino professionals seeking employment opportunities in Chile; and (3) Renewal, Revalidation, and Recognition of PRC licenses in Chile.

The inputs gathered during this consultation are expected to contribute to the position of the Philippine team in the CEPA negotiations, ensuring that the voices of Filipino professionals are heard and that their needs are addressed.

The collaboration between the different government agencies and stakeholders marks a significant step forward in promoting the welfare and professional interests of Filipinos abroad. END

For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.