More Filipinos are heading to Germany to pursue their studies, as noted by President Marcos during a speech to the Filipino community in Berlin. Marcos highlighted the long-standing ties between the Philippines and Germany, dating back seven decades.
Referring to national hero Jose Rizal, who spent a significant amount of time in Germany, Marcos drew parallels to the continuous flow of Filipino students and scholars participating in the German Academic Exchange Program.
The President emphasized the importance of these people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries. With an estimated 35,930 Filipinos currently residing in Germany, the contributions of Filipino scholars, trainees, and volunteers are significant.
During his visit, Marcos also highlighted the substantial role of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in contributing to the Philippine economy, with remittances reaching $33.5 billion in 2023. He assured the Filipino community of his administration’s commitment to implementing reforms that benefit their families back home.
In a move to enhance technical vocational education and training programs in the Philippines, an agreement was signed between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training in Germany. The cooperation program aims to upskill Filipino workers in areas such as digitalization and the green economy.
Marcos stressed the need for collaboration with Germany in providing high-technology training for the workforce to support the country’s economic transformation. The agreement includes measures for capacity building and policy research, as well as exchanges under the Philippine Regional Innovation Centers and German Center of Vocational Excellence.
Furthermore, the President announced ongoing discussions between the Philippines and Germany regarding the placement of skilled workers and other professionals. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz encouraged Filipinos to consider working in Germany, following the passage of legislation aimed at attracting skilled foreign workers to address labor shortages in the country.
