Berlin, Germany—The Philippines and Germany inked the renewal of the “Cooperation Program” between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training.
This initiative aims to bolster the skills and qualifications of Filipino workers through upskilling and reskilling efforts.
During a joint press conference alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Marcos underscored the significant contributions of Filipino healthcare workers and other overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Germany’s society and economy.
“Noting Germany’s interest in expanded labor cooperation to include other Filipino skilled workers and professionals, the Philippines reaffirms our commitment to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos around the world,” President Marcos said.
“Towards this end, our countries will sign the renewal of the Cooperation Program between Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training during my visit here in Germany. Both sides are also working towards the conclusion of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals,” he added.
Emphasizing Germany’s interest in broadening labor cooperation to encompass more Filipino skilled workers and professionals, President Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipinos worldwide.
The renewal of the Cooperation Program and the impending Memorandum of Agreement on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals highlight the bilateral efforts toward this objective.
The cooperation entails various measures for capacity building, including thematic visits per year, provision of workplace and technical facilities, exchange on policy research and knowledge management, as well as support for apprenticeship and dual training systems programs.
Exchanges under the Philippine Regional Innovation Centers (RIC) and the German Center of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) will showcase digital learning integration within 17 RIC and CoVE.
Moreover, the Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) initiative seeks to foster long-term VET bridging through experience exchange and peer learning between Europe and Asia-Pacific.
The BILT project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research BMBF, is a hub for policy and peer learning in TVET (technical vocation and education training) systems. Various activities from 2023 to 2025, such as bridging, innovation, and learning projects, are scheduled.
Efforts will also include hosting Joint International Roadshow digital media in TVET to document best practices and promote global dialogue and digital tool use.
President Marcos also disclosed ongoing negotiations for the Memorandum of Agreement on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals, signaling the parties’ commitment to enhancing bilateral ties across various cooperation areas.
Currently, Germany hosts approximately 35,930 Filipinos, with 82.36 percent possessing permanent or temporary residence status, further solidifying the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.