DMW dispatches 218 health workers to Japan under PJEPa.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced the deployment of 218 Filipino health workers to Japan under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) on June 04, 2025. The group, comprising 19 nurses and 199 careworkers, is the 17th batch of graduates from the program and will be leaving the country on June 10 and 11.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac addressed the health workers at the send-off event, emphasizing their importance to Japan's healthcare system and comparing their dedication to the gold medal-worthy performances of Filipino athletes. He encouraged them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and success.

Mr. Ben Suzuki, Director of the Japan Foundation Manila, acknowledged the significance of their role in enriching Japanese society, not just in terms of professional expertise but also through their cultural contributions.

The support of both the Japanese and Philippine governments was reiterated during the ceremony by Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines, Yokota Naobumi. PJEPA, signed in 2006, is a testament to the strong cooperation between the two countries in fostering people-to-people exchanges. Since its implementation in 2009, the program has deployed a total of 655 nurses and 3,760 careworkers to Japan.

The event underscored the mutual commitment of both nations to enhance the welfare and opportunities for the Filipino workforce abroad.