With 10,000 Filipino workers to be allowed to enter the Czech Republic yearly, the Philippine embassy there may need a bigger budget for 2025 to ensure their welfare – and Senator Robin Padilla vowed to push for this.
Padilla gave the promise during a Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar and Consular Outreach for overseas Filipino workers at the Imperial Hotel Ostrava, where he also cited the “equal pay” policy of the Czech government.
“Pagdating sa budget, hindi ko kayo kokontrahin… baka hingin pa natin na tumaas,” the legislator said.
An agreement was forged to allow the entry of some 10,000 Filipino workers to the Czech Republic every year.
Following the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Czech Republic last March, an agreement was forged to allow the entry of some 10,000 Filipino workers to the Czech Republic every year.
At present, there are at least 7,000 skilled Filipino workers who may avail of “equal pay” in the Czech Republic.
“Siyempre makakausap natin ang embassy natin, kung pupunta dito 10,000 (na manggagawa), mas marami dapat sa embassy. Dapat magdagdag ang DFA ng tao dito,” the lawmaker said.
During the meeting, the senator sang songs to the delight of the OFWs at the meeting.
He sang “Kumusta Ka” by Freddie Aguilar; “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton; and “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley.
Meanwhile, he hailed the strong and deep ties between the Philippines and Czech Republic, even as he voiced optimism the bond will continue to grow.
Padilla, who visited the Czech Republic to observe how it regulates the use of medical cannabis, noted that while diplomatic ties between the two countries started on Oct. 5, 1973, their relationship dates back to the 19th century.
“The Philippines commits to further deepening its relationship by fostering economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships with the Czech Republic,” he said in a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in recognizing the strong ties between the two countries, to be filed this week.
According to Padilla, it was in Litomerice, a town that was once part of Austria, then Czechoslovakia, that Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal solidified a friendship with Ferdinand Blumentritt, a schoolmaster there.
He noted Blumentritt played a significant role in our revolution against Spanish colonialism, as he was believed to have encouraged and even donated money for the publication of Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere,” which triggered the Filipinos’ movement for independence.
“For over 50 years, the relationship between the Filipinos and the Czechs has only grown stronger and went beyond the recorded ties between two historical figures,” Padilla noted.
“There are some 7,026 Filipinos now in the Czech Republic.”
On the other hand, he said there are some 7,026 Filipinos now in the Czech Republic engaged in the processing industry, automotive, repair of appliances, manufacturing, IT communications, real estate, health or wellness, and household service work.
During the state visit of Marcos to the Czech Republic last March, heads of both states witnessed the signing of a joint communique for a labor consultation mechanism; and the signing of memorandums of understanding between Philippine and Czech business leaders to promote trade and investment.
