The Philippines and Finland are exploring cooperation to develop a skilled workforce for the renewable energy sector as part of broader efforts to prepare Filipino workers for the transition to a greener economy, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Thursday.
During a courtesy call, Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino discussed potential collaboration in renewable energy, alongside maritime technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging industries expected to generate employment in the coming years, DOLE said.
The two countries also explored scholarship, training and exchange programs aimed at equipping Filipino workers with skills needed in these sectors while giving trainers and students access to Finland’s vocational education system.
Tolentino highlighted the Philippines’ efforts to build a workforce for the green economy through the Philippine Green Jobs Act and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Green TVET program. He also cited renewable energy, waste management and other sustainable industries as areas for deeper cooperation with Finland.
DOLE said it is interested in learning from Finland’s labor migration model, which matches skilled foreign workers with employers while promoting ethical recruitment, streamlined processing and stronger worker protection.
The department also thanked Finland for supporting the ongoing Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations, where DOLE leads discussions on labor provisions covering decent work and workers’ rights.
From 2024 to April 2026, the Philippines deployed 1,299 newly hired overseas Filipino workers to Finland, mainly in healthcare, hospitality and skilled trades. Finland is home to about 12,770 Filipinos, while 39 Finnish companies operate in the Philippines across various industries.
