Premier Greg Selinger and Province of Manitoba and the Philippines renewed it’s labour partnership in Manila and the MOU is expected to bring more Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to Manitoba. Skilled and professional workers in health, agriculture, construction and hospitality will benefit from this partnership.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the Makati Shangri-La with Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz from the Department of Labor (DOLE) and Manitoba’s Department of Labour and Immigration. The renewed MOU also enhances Manitoba’s role as being the gold standard when it comes to protecting worker’s rights.
The two-day visit to Manila included a donation to a high school in one of Manila’s poorest neighborhoods. The premier was greeted by over 2000 high school students cheering and waving Philippine, Canadian and Manitoba flags. The $50,000 donation to Antonio J. Villegas Vocational High School (AJVHS) in Manila included a medical/dental clinic, along with medical supplies and a surprise donation of baseball equipment to the school’s championship winning baseball team.
As President Noy Noy Aquino was in the United States on an official visit, Premier Selinger made a courtesy call to Malacañang with a visit to Executive Secretary Ochoa.
Newly installed Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Christopher Thornely played host to the Premier’s delegation with an evening reception that included some of the Philippines most influential political and business guests, namely San Miguel President and COO, Ramon S. Ang.
Prior to the premier’s departure from Manila, Selinger stopped by the Jose Rizal Monument on Roxas Blvd. accompanied by Mayor, Alfredo S. Lim for a ceremonial wreath laying ceremony that included Mayor Lim’s personal band and a 21-gun salute by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
