By Paula Valero
The Philippines and Malaysia agreed to strengthen collaboration in several areas, particularly education and disaster response and management, by developing a more technical and skilled workforce to respond to the changing world and usher in development.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the suggestions by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Rural and Regional Development Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamdi at Malacañang.
The President told Dr. Ahmad Zahid that the Philippines has an "excellent workforce," describing it as young, hardworking, and well-trained.
"Filipinos are used to working with foreign entities because of our diaspora. But we have to train them. After COVID, everything is new. The technologies are different," the President added.
President Marcos mentioned that since many Filipino workers are migrating, the government developed a system for skills training and education in construction to train plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.
Dr. Ahmad Zahid, also the Council chairman of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), wishes to learn from the Philippines' educational system, particularly the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The National Disaster Management Committee chairman addressed the possibility of a group of Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) being sent to the Philippines with the approval of the Philippines to train with related agencies and aid during typhoons and disasters.
"Of course, that is a very generous offer of assistance. Yes, thank you. We can organize that as soon as everyone is ready," Marcos said.
Malaysia and the Philippines celebrated the 60th year of bilateral relations when the Philippine delegation was built in Kuala Lumpur and formally instituted as a consulate on May 18, 1964. Despite finishing the delegation in 1964, their diplomatic relations began in 1959.
Last year, the Philippines ranked 16th among Malaysia's largest trading partners, with a total trade valued at P483.82 billion. The Philippines exported mainly integrated circuits, coconut oil, and rubber to Malaysia.
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