Phl, Poland strengthen agriculture, labor ties

The Philippines and Poland are moving to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, trade and workforce development as both countries seek to expand agricultural exchanges and create more employment opportunities for Filipino workers.

Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. met last week with a Polish delegation led by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Stefan Krajewski to discuss initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation through closer coordination between government agencies.

The talks centered on expanding agricultural trade, enhancing technical cooperation, improving skills development and certification for Filipino workers, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to support the priorities of both countries.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Migrant Workers, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. also participated in the meeting.

Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that meat shipments from Poland to the Philippines reached 25,009 metric tons from January to June this year. 

Meanwhile, Poland’s agri-food exports to the Philippines increased by 30.6 percent, rising from USD81.1 million in 2024 to USD106 million in 2025.

The Polish delegation expressed interest in further expanding exports of pork, poultry, apples, grains and other agricultural products while exploring broader cooperation in the agriculture sector.

Krajewski also praised Filipino workers, citing their strong work ethic, adaptability, communication skills and English proficiency as qualities that make them highly valued in Poland.

Abalos welcomed Poland’s continued confidence in Filipino workers and reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through sustained dialogue and closer government cooperation.