NEW DELHI MANILA, October 22, 2025** – Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary concluded a three-day Knowledge Exchange Mission to the Philippines today, emphasizing strengthened Global South cooperation in skills development, labour mobility, and human capital formation. The high-level visit, facilitated by the World Bank, featured strategic dialogues with key Philippine ministries and institutions aimed at fostering bilateral learning and partnership.
High-Level Dialogues on Skills and Employment
During the mission, Shri Chaudhary held substantive meetings with Mr. Bienvenido Laguesma, Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, exploring
collaborative initiatives to enhance employability in evolving labour markets. The leaders emphasized the critical role of digital technologies and
data-driven policies in preparing workers for future economic demands.
In a significant engagement with Mr. Jose Francisco Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),
the ministers discussed aligning technical and vocational education with industry needs and global standards. The dialogue also covered competency standards,
skills assessment frameworks, and opportunities for institutional partnerships.
Focus on Labour Mobility and Worker Welfare
The Indian delegation participated in comprehensive meetings with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and
the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). These discussions centered on creating safe, orderly, and productive labour mobility pathways
while ensuring robust welfare mechanisms for overseas workers.
Building Bridges Through Diaspora Engagement
On the sidelines of official meetings, Shri Chaudhary interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in the Philippines, acknowledging their role as a
“living bridge” between the two nations. The dialogue highlighted opportunities for strengthening educational and professional exchanges while celebrating
the diaspora’s contributions to bilateral relations.
A Shared Vision for Global South Cooperation
Reflecting on the visit, Shri Chaudhary stated, “When nations of the Global South learn from each other, we don’t just exchange knowledge—we
collective strength for a shared future.” He added that the India-Philippines partnership is rooted in “a common belief that investing in human capital
through skilling and entrepreneurship is the most powerful way to drive inclusive growth.”
The delegation included senior officers from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, and Telangana, demonstrating a coordinated national approach to international skills cooperation.
Labour Perspective:
This bilateral engagement represents a strategic step toward creating more secure and productive employment pathways for Indian workers. By learning from
the Philippines’ established systems for overseas employment and technical skills development, India can enhance its own skilling ecosystem while ensuring
better protection and opportunities for its workforce in global labour markets.
This coverage is based on official updates from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.