The Department of Migrant Workers along with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines the commemorated on Monday the longstanding friendship between two countries during the kick-off celebration of Philippines-Canada Friendship Week at the DMW head office in Mandaluyong City.

The celebration was led by Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation Patricia Yvonne "PY" M. Caunan and Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines David Hartman.

The weeklong activity celebrates the success stories of the Overseas Filipino Workers in Canada and the firm commitment of the Canadian government in upholding the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

"This Friendship Week highlights the strong mutual partnership between the Philippines and Canada in upholding fair, ethical and safe recruitment, as well as foster stronger ties to further our two countries' labor cooperation," Caunan said.

The weeklong celebration includes educational seminars, such as the International Organization for Migration presentation on "Fair and Ethical Recruitment" and the "Challenges Encountered by Filipinos Migrating in Canada".

Part of the weeklong celebration also features bazaars and food-tasting booths for OFWs visiting the DMW office.

The DMW has set up a photo booth display that showcases the stories of dedication, perseverance and resilience of OFWs in Canada, as well as an online "Kamustahan" among OFWs at the jobsite.

The Foreign Stakeholders Relations and Engagement Bureau of the DMW organized the Friendship week, a monthly activity that aims to celebrate labor cooperation agreements and strengthen ties between the Philippines and various OFW country-destinations.