MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL PROTECTION OF ROMANIA ON THE C…

The Department of Labor and Employment of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Romania, hereinafter referred to singularly as the “Participant” and jointly as the “Participants”,

Committed to promoting the friendly relations between the Republic of the Philippines and Romania and desirous of promoting and developing bilateral cooperation in the fields of labor, employment and social protection on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and reciprocity,

Have hereby reached the following understanding:

Paragraph I. Objective

The Participants, subject to the terms of the present Memorandum of Understanding and national laws, regulations and policies and their competences, aim to promote and develop activities of cooperation in the fields of labor and social protection.

Paragraph II. Areas of Cooperation

1. Exchange of expertise, good practices and information on the legal regulations of the Participants in the fields of employment and labor relations, social protection, labor migration management, occupational health and safety at work;
2. Exchange of expertise, good practices and information on the legislation of the Participants regarding the labor inspection activity, in order to ensure the observance of workers’ rights and health and safety at work;
3. Exchange of experience, good practices and information on social security legislation of the Participants, including the pension and social security system, unemployment insurance, social benefits for the vulnerable workers in private sector, for workers having work injury and occupational diseases, people with disabilities, etc.;
4. Exchange of experience, good practices and information on all areas of competence of the Participants; and
5. Other issues of mutual concern.

Paragraph III. Ways of Cooperation

In accordance with the national legislation of each Participant, the cooperation will consist of :

1. Exchange of relevant information, experience and best practices on labor and social protection of the Participants;
2. Organization of study visits and work visits;
3. Organization of forums/seminars/workshops; and
4. Any other similar forms of cooperation which may be decided by the Participants.

Paragraph IV. Focal Points

In order to implement this Memorandum of Understanding, the Participants will designate focal points.

1. The Participants designate the competent international departments within the two ministries to be responsible for coordinating the implementation of activities specified in this Memorandum of Understanding.
2. In order to promote the cooperation of the Participants, a working group may be established under this Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Representatives of the Participants will meet whenever necessary to discuss and agree on relevant issues and activities to be implemented under this Memorandum of Understanding.

Paragraph V. Financial Arrangements

The financial costs related to the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will be borne by each Participant.

Paragraph VI. Final Provisions

1. This Memorandum of Understanding will become effective on the date of signature.
2. This Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for a period of five years unless terminated by either Participant giving six months’ written notice in advance to the other Participant of its intention to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding.

This Memorandum of Understanding is signed in Bucharest on this 21st of May 2021 and in Manila on July 6, 2021 in two original copies in English language.

Entry into Force: July 6, 2021