In a major step toward enhancing labor cooperation and expanding safe employment avenues for Filipinos, a high-level delegation from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Greece, H.E. Giovanni E. Palec, on June 3, 2026.
The DMW delegation was led by Assistant Secretary Atty Julyn Ambito-Fermin, alongside Seabased Accreditation Bureau Director Augusto San Diego III, and the incoming Labor Attaché of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Greece, Atty. Rodolfo Gabasan.
The meeting provided a strategic platform to tackle pressing issues facing both sea-based and land-based Filipino workers in the region, with a particular focus on the unique challenges met by seasonal workers. To address these vulnerabilities, both parties laid out plans for upcoming initiatives designed to proactively engage employers and industry stakeholders. These initiatives will include:
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Information-Sharing Campaigns: Educating local employers on Filipino worker rights and standard compliance.
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Employers’ Forums: Establishing direct channels of dialogue with Greek industries to foster ethical and transparent recruitment practices.
During the dialogue, Ambassador Palec provided vital updates on recent policy shifts and evolving labor market developments within Greece. These insights are set to bolster the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to secure a comprehensive Bilateral Labor Agreement (BLA) with the Greek government.
Once finalized, the BLA aims to formalize and expand safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial labor mobility opportunities, matching skilled Filipino talent with key sectors in the Greek economy while ensuring strict adherence to international labor standards.
“Our unified approach ensures that as we look to open new economic doors for our global workforce, their dignity, safety, and rights remain non-negotiable,” the delegation noted.
The successful courtesy call reinforces the seamless collaboration between the Philippine Embassy in Athens and the DMW. Operating strictly under the “One Country Team Approach,” both agencies reaffirmed their alignment with the core directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—to champion the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) while driving robust, forward-looking international labor diplomacy.
