The Czech Republic reaffirmed its commitment to protect Filipino workers and to stand with the Philippines in upholding its maritime rights, as it celebrated its Independence Day in Manila.
In his keynote remarks, Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Karel Hejč praised the growing Filipino community in the Czech Republic and assured the Philippine government that their welfare remains a priority.
“We are committed… to ensuring that their rights and dignity are protected and that they are respected, integrated, and appreciated as part of our society,” Hejč said, addressing Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
He described Filipino workers as valued members of Czech society, admired for their “talent, discipline, and reliability,” and cherished for the “positive energy they bring to everyday life.”
Beyond migration, the envoy underscored the Czech Republic’s solidarity with the Philippines in safeguarding its sovereign rights in the South China Sea.
“The Czech Republic firmly supports the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights under the UNCLOS in the South China Sea,” Hejč aid. “We stand by the principles of peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for rules-based international order as essential pillars of regional and global security.”
He also thanked the Philippines for its consistent stance on global security challenges, particularly its support for Ukraine amid Russia’s aggression.
“Your voice in defense of the same values carries great weight and reinforces the solidarity of all democratic nations,” he said.
Ambassador Hejč noted that bilateral cooperation continues to expand beyond politics and security, extending into disaster resilience, environmental protection, and cultural exchange.
From Czech companies building partnerships in the Philippines to new cultural bridges such as translations of Czech literature into Filipino languages, he said both countries are “working together to advance peace, stability, and sustainable development.”
Looking ahead, Hejč expressed optimism that Czech-Philippine ties will only deepen further.
“The ties between the Czech Republic and the Philippines will continue to flourish in the spirit of mutual respect, openness, and shared purpose,” he said. V. Uy