09 September 2014 - In line with the Philippine Embassy’s representations, meetings and networking with relevant Philippine authorities regarding the welfare and well-being of Filipino workers in New Zealand, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez called on Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis- Baldoz on August 18.

They discussed matters related to the status and situation of overseas Filipino workers specifically in the dairy sector and those engaged in the rebuild and reconstruction of Christchurch, the measures and resources set by the New Zealand government for the protection and fair treatment of migrant workers, and updates on the cooperative arrangements for the recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers similar to those being followed in developed countries’ employment of migrant workers. The discussion also included labour migration systems and infrastructure and collaborative pathways and mechanisms that can be implemented by  the Philippines and New Zealand in accordance with the 2008 Labor Cooperation Agreement and with both countries’ pertinent labor and employment laws, as well as the joint development of best practices on migrant workers’ engagement, employment and protection.

The continuing meetings of the Labor Committee of both countries and close coordination among the relevant government agencies, authorities and diplomatic representatives of the Philippines and New Zealand are stepping up concrete initiatives and making headway in this crucial area of cooperation.

Also present during Ambassador Benavidez’s call on Secretary Baldoz were International Labor Affairs Bureau  Director Saul De Vries, and Labor Attache David Des Dicang, DOLE Chief of Staff. END