The Philippines and South Korea have strengthened their bilateral partnership through a new joint memorandum agreement to implement Korea’s Seasonal Workers Program (SWP), which aims to provide protection, empowerment and upskilling for Filipino farm workers deployed abroad.
The agreement establishes a whole-of-government framework, aligning national and local initiatives for deploying Filipino seasonal workers to South Korea, according to Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) Director Junibert De Sagun.
De Sagun represented Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during the signing ceremony on Nov. 4, 2025.
De Sagun said the pact ensures fair labor standards, legal protection and proper welfare while reinforcing ethical recruitment and agricultural cooperation between both countries. The Philippine government considers the agreement a milestone in Philippine–Korea relations, bolstering labor mobility and cooperation in agriculture and food security.
The DA spearheaded the signing with five other key agencies: the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Under the memorandum, the DA will provide agricultural training, livelihood support and reintegration programs for returning workers.
It will also coordinate with local governments and the DMW to ensure deployments respond to the country’s agricultural priorities and meet international standards.
The pact further outlines an integrated support system to enhance monitoring, welfare assistance and coordination with Korean local governments. This aims to ensure Filipino workers receive the protection and support they need while overseas.
“This partnership ensures that our seasonal workers are protected, empowered, and equipped to contribute to both nations’ agricultural growth,” the DA said in a statement.
