ÌÀÍ·Ìõ

May 30, 2009

The Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Korea and the Department of Labor and Employment of the Republic of the Philippines (hereinafter referred to as the "Parties"),

UPHOLDING the principle of equality;

SHARING the aspiration for and pursuit of co-prosperity;

DESIRING to strengthen the existing friendly relations between the "two countries through cooperation in the fields of human capacity building and employment promotion; and

RECOGNIZING the benefits to be derived from such cooperation by both countries;

HAVE REACHED the following understanding:

I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as "MOU") is to establish and develop a framework for sustainable cooperation between the Parties in the field of Labor and Manpower Development.

II. PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

In pursuance of the objective of this MOU, the Parties may, among others, implement the following programs and activities:

1. Sharing of information on existing policies and programs concerning labor and manpower development, including technical and vocational training.

2. Joint development of new and innovative technical and vocational courses and curricula toward developing more labor market-responsive and competitive workforce.

3. Education, training and up-skilling of vocational teachers, managers and officials, as well as assessors of national skill assessment and certification.

4. Exchange of visits of vocational training instructors: experts and managers.

5. Support for initiatives aimed at enhancing national skills standard and competitiveness towards international recognition, such as continuing studies and research, conduct of seminars and conferences, and participation in regional and global skills competition.

6. Cooperation between and among related training organizations in both countries.

7. Provision and/or exchange of training materials and equipment.

8. Support for Filipino workers in Korea to better prepare them for their eventual return and effective re-integration into their home country.

III. IMPLEMENTATION

1. The Parties may establish an Executive Committee, led by the Director General for International Cooperation Bureau on behalf of the MO I and the Undersecretary for Employment Promotion and Manpower Development on behalf of the DOLE, which could meet yearly, alternately in Seoul and Manila, to map out and oversee joint program and activities.

2. The Executive Committee can assess the implementation of the Programs and Activities and make plans for the following year to be implemented by the Parties.

3. Detailed plans for each Program or Activity under this MOU will be determined separately by the relevant agencies that will actually carry out the said Program or Activity.

IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. All Activities under this MOU will be conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Philippines.

2. Any difference or dispute that may arise from the interpretation or implementation of this MOU will be resolved amicably through good faith consultation between the Parties.

3. The Parties may amend this MOU and incorporate additional programs or activities thereto by mutual written consent, as necessary.

V. EFFECT AND DURATION

1. This MOU will come into effect on the date of signing by the Parties and will remain in effect for five (5) years.

2. This MOU may be extended upon the mutual written consent of the Parties.

VI. TERMINATION

1. This MOU may be terminated at any time by either Party by means of written notice given 6 (six) months in advance to the other Party.

2. The provisions of this MOU will continue to apply to all Programs and Activities that had commenced while this MOU was in effect but were not completed at the expiration or termination of this MOU.

Signed in duplicate in Seoul on the 30th day of May 2009 in the English Language.

For the Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Korea	For the Department of Labor and Employment of the Republic of the Philippines
(Sgd.) LEE, YOUNG-HEE	(Sgd.) MARIANlTO D ROQUE
Minister	Secretary