The Philippines and Poland are seeking to deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, and workforce development as both countries explore new opportunities to expand agricultural exports and create more jobs for Filipino workers.
Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. on Thursday met with a Polish delegation led by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Stefan Krajewski to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties through closer inter-agency collaboration.
The meeting focused on expanding agricultural trade, enhancing technical cooperation, improving skills development and certification for Filipino workers, and strengthening government coordination to support the priorities of both countries.
Joining the discussions were Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Michael Garcia, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo, TESDA Executive Director Charlyn Justimbaste, and Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. Director Jet Ambalada.
According to the Bureau of Animal Industry, 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 rose 30.6 percent, from USD81.1 million in 2024 to USD106 million in 2025, underscoring growing trade between the two countries.
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 lauded Filipino workers, describing them as highly valued in Poland because of their work ethic, adaptability, communication skills and English proficiency.
Abalos welcomed Poland’s continued confidence in Filipino workers and conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation through sustained dialogue and coordinated government action. (PNA)
