The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Employment Service of Slovenia (ESS) have formally committed to deepening their bilateral cooperation following the virtual signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on October 22, 2025.
The JDI is aimed at strengthening collaboration on labor mobility, employment facilitation, and, crucially, the protection and welfare of Filipino migrant workers in the European nation.
The declaration reaffirms the shared commitment established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed earlier this year on March 11, 2025. Both nations aim to promote safe, orderly, and ethical labor migration while upholding the fundamental rights and welfare of Filipino workers.
The DMW and ESS expressed their intent to swiftly translate this declaration into concrete cooperative mechanisms and programs. These mechanisms will focus on reinforcing institutional linkages, enhancing existing worker protection systems, and expanding meaningful, ethical employment opportunities for Filipino workers in Slovenia.
“We look forward to strengthening our collaboration towards the protection of our migrant workers,” said Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul, Jr. of the Department of Migrant Workers. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that Filipino workers in Slovenia are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect at every stage of their employment journey.”
Speaking for Slovenia, Greta Metka Barbo Škerbinc, Director General of the Employment Service of Slovenia, highlighted the human element of the partnership. “This partnership bridges and connects not only our institutions but also our people. We are building on mutual understanding, respect, and solidarity between our two nations as we promote fair labor mobility and ethical recruitment.”
The virtual signing ceremony was witnessed by key officials from both nations, including DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Philippine Ambassador to Vienna Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas, Assistant Secretary Julyn Ambito-Fermin, Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz, and Živa Stiglic of the Employment Service of Slovenia.
