Filipinos in Hungary are regarded as among the most trusted and valued members of the workforce, Hungarian officials told Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a high-level bilateral meeting on Monday.

In a news release sent to the media on Tuesday, the Department of Migrant Workers said Hungarian employers praise Filipino workers for their professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethics.

In a meeting with Hungarian officials in Budapest, Cacdac said Minister of Interior Sándor Pintér noted that there are now about 14,000 Filipino workers in Hungary, and highlighted their positive contributions to the Hungarian society and workforce.

He said that Pintér noted that although Hungary only allows guest workers from countries with which it has a readmission agreement, the Philippines is a special exception.

“We made a good decision because of the high quality of services that Filipinos provide and their proven record as law-abiding people,” Pintér said.

He said that starting January 2025, only Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines will be eligible for Hungary’s guest worker program, a reflection of Hungary’s deep trust in the Filipino labor.

Meanwhile, Cacdac expressed the gratitude of the Philippines to the Hungarian government in a meeting with State Secretary Illes Boglarka of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

He expressed the Philippine government’s sincere appreciation for Hungary’s trust and confidence in the Filipino workers and reaffirmed the DMW’s dedication to ensuring that Filipino workers sent to Hungary continue to uphold the values of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

“This partnership with Hungary not only provides meaningful jobs for our workers but also enhances the friendship between our two nations,” he said.

Cacdac also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening and expanding its bilateral relations with Hungary.

The DMW said that the visit was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to boost bilateral labor cooperation with host countries and ensure the welfare and safety of Filipino workers abroad.

New home for OFWs

On Saturday, Cacdac also led the inauguration and blessing of the new Philippine Labor Office in Budapest, the first overseas branch established under the DMW since its creation in 2021.

The DMW said the new office, located near the iconic Hungarian Parliament building, symbolizes the Philippine government’s dedication to serving its overseas citizens.

“We opened more than just doors; we opened a new chapter of service, compassion, and commitment,” Cacdac said.

He said that the establishment of the new office emphasizes the steadfast dedication of the DMW in delivering compassionate, efficient, and integrity-driven service to OFWs abroad.

Cacdac said the new labor office will serve as a vital hub for assistance, welfare, and labor relations that would ensure the timely delivery of DMW services to the Filipino community in Europe, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PNA)