German labor minister to witness signing of pact on OFW deployment

MANILA, Philippines - German labor and social affairs minister Ursula von der Leyen is in Manila to witness the signing of an agreement for the deployment of Filipino health care professionals in Germany.

The official paid a courtesy call yesterday morning on Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The agreement is expected to open the German health care sector to Filipino health care professionals who have been barred from employment in accordance with existing German laws. It also stipulates the procedures and conditions for deployment.

The deployment of health care professionals, particularly nurses, has been a priority in the agenda of the two countries.

It was taken up during the visits of Del Rosario to Germany in December 2011, and to Manila of German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle last month.

Del Rosario said the conclusion of the agreement is a win-win situation for both countries. He acknowledged the efforts of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for the successful conclusion of the agreement.