Kick-off Meeting of the Japan-WAPES Joint Project for the Philippines (2025-26）

Breakthrough agreement in Tokyo – Kick-off the new project for the Philippines-

On March 13th, the delegation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippines, visited the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Japan, to advance the WAPES-Japan Joint Project for the Philippines.

During a high-level discussion between Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres (DOLE) and Director General YAMADA Masahiko (MHLW), both parties officially agreed to launch the project, committing to realizing fruitful outcomes, not only for the mutual sides but also WAPES members.

The project focuses on strengthening and improving the quality of PES. Aligned with the following DOLE’s ‘PESO Five-Point Agenda’, the project aims to enhance service quality, optimize processes, and promote best practices.

1. PESO Institutionalization
2. Comprehensive Capacity Development for PESO Officers & Staff
3. Reaffirmation of PESOs’ Core Functions
4. Stronger Collaboration with Employers & Educational Institutions
5. Digitalization of Public Employment Services
The initiative will leverage WAPES’ extensive expertise and methodologies to drive meaningful improvements.

On March 14th, the delegations visited Hello Work (Public Employment Service Office ) in Chiba to learn the practical operation of Japanese PESO and discuss some employment programs for youth, focusing on how to collaborate with local stakeholders.

The following steps will include a series of collaborative activities, including mutual learning sessions, a study visit to Hello Work, workshops, and a final summary report.

13- 14th March 2025, Tokyo

～What is the Japan-WAPES Joint Project?～
The aim is to improve public employment services in the Asia-Pacific region, in combination with the accumulated knowledge and expertise that Japan and WAPES possess.