The Philippines and South Korea have signed a new agreement to strengthen protections and opportunities for Filipino seasonal farm workers.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the joint memorandum for the implementation of Korea’s seasonal workers program was finalized on Friday. The deal brings together several Philippine agencies — including the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Immigration — to coordinate worker deployment and support.
The agreement sets a whole-of-government approach to ensure fair labor practices, legal protection, and ethical recruitment. While the DA did not specify how many workers may join the program, it said the partnership aims to improve welfare and strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
Under the deal, the DA will provide agricultural training, livelihood programs, and reintegration assistance for returning workers. It will also work with local governments and the DMW to align deployments with national agricultural goals.
The memorandum includes an integrated support system to boost monitoring, welfare services, and coordination with South Korean local governments to ensure Filipino workers receive proper care.
The DA described the partnership as a milestone for both countries, saying it promotes labor mobility, agricultural innovation, and food security.
