Manila: The Philippines, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Finland are enhancing their cooperation to create more job opportunities for Filipinos, improve skills development, and bolster protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to Philippines News Agency, during a courtesy call on Thursday, Finland's Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Saija Nurminen, discussed with Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino potential collaborations in skills training, ethical recruitment, and emerging industries where Filipino workers are increasingly in demand. The discussions focused on opportunities in renewable energy, maritime technology, artificial intelligence, and other sectors expected to generate more jobs in the coming years.
The officials also explored scholarship, training, and exchange programs designed to equip Filipino workers with necessary skills in these sectors, while enabling trainers and students to benefit from Finland's renowned vocational education system. The DOLE expressed interest in adopting Finland's labor migration model, which efficiently matches skilled foreign workers with employers and promotes fair recruitment practices, faster processing, and robust worker protection.
Tolentino emphasized the Philippines' initiatives aimed at preparing workers for a greener economy through the Philippine Green Jobs Act and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's Green TVET program. He also mentioned potential partnerships in renewable energy, waste management, and other sustainable industries.
The DOLE expressed gratitude to Finland for its ongoing support in the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations, where the department leads discussions on labor provisions that promote decent work and protect workers' rights.
Between 2024 and April 2026, a total of 1,299 newly hired OFWs are expected to be deployed to Finland, primarily in healthcare, hospitality, skilled trades, and other occupations experiencing labor shortages. Finland has also seen a significant increase in its Filipino population, now home to approximately 12,770 Filipinos, up from just 302 in 2016. Meanwhile, 39 Finnish companies are currently operating in various industries across the Philippines.
