20 April 2008 – Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Luis T. Cruz reported to the Department that the Embassy successfully conducted a Trainers’ Training on Korean labor law and other relevant laws for OFWs on 13 and 20 April 2008.

Led by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in coordination with the Korea labor Education Institute (KLEI), the Embassy initiated the program to help OFWs become more aware of their basic rights and benefits under Korean law. The POLO regularly receives inquiries from Filipino workers about wages, working hours, overtime pay, retirement benefits, transfers, health and accident insurances, pensions, and other work-related issues.
During the Awarding of Certificates held at the KLEI Center on 20 April, Amb. Luis T. Cruz congratulated the participants and encouraged them to share their newly acquired knowledge with other Filipinos, reminding participants that Filipinos need to be aware of their rights but must also ensure that they fulfill their responsibilities. He explained that Filipinos are known for their competence and skill and that Filipinos must work hard to protect this reputation.

Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of the program as a tool for empowerment. “By making Filipinos aware of their rights as privileges as workers in South Korea, we empower them,” he said.
Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of the program as a tool for empowerment. “By making Filipinos aware of their rights as privileges as workers in South Korea, we empower them,” he said.

Seventy-five participants from 25 different Filipino Community organizations all throughout South Korea successfully completed the training. The participants themselves are now expected to train other people and echo what they have learned from the program to their respective constituencies.

The Trainer’s Training is one of the recommendations that emerged from Focused Group Discussion organized by the POLO with FilCom NGOs and institutions last December 2007. The Human Resources Division of the Ministry of Labor also declared that many workers want to know more about their rights and the remedies and procedures they must pursue to address their concerns.

The Philippines is the first EPS participating country to collaborate with the KLEI in conducting this kind of training on labor law for its nationals