Croatian employers expressed overwhelming satisfaction with the caliber of Filipino talent during the first-ever Government-to-Government (G2G) Hiring Event held on October 15 in Mandaluyong City, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported.
The event marked a significant milestone in bilateral labor cooperation, successfully matching over 200 highly-qualified Filipino workers with job opportunities in Croatia’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality sectors.
More than 200 applicants from different regions of the Philippines participated in final interviews for 435 open positions, primarily as cooks, waiters, and room attendants. The quality of the workforce was so high that several candidates were reportedly chosen by more than one participating employer.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized that the landmark G2G arrangement fulfills the agency’s commitment to worker protection.
“This all began with the directive of the President to ensure safe, ethical, and transparent employment for our workers,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “The G2G framework is the purest expression of that directive. It eliminates illegal recruitment and excessive fees, securing a dignified start for our Filipinos abroad.”
The DMW further assured applicants that the G2G program operates strictly on a “no placement fee” basis, guaranteeing that workers are not burdened by crippling debt before even starting their new roles.
Croatian Ambassador Commends Filipino Excellence
The event received high praise from the Croatian delegation, with Croatian Ambassador Nebojša Koharović personally attending and underscoring the value of Filipino workers.
Ambassador Koharović commended the deeply ingrained values and unparalleled work ethics of Filipinos, noting their global reputation for dedication, professionalism, and service excellence.
The successful G2G event is expected to significantly strengthen labor relations between the Philippines and Croatia, serving as a model for future bilateral agreements aimed at providing quality, protected, and ethical employment pathways for Filipino migrant workers.
