The agreement was initialed by Danish Minister for Senior Citizens Mette Kierkgaard and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, establishing a framework grounded in ethical, transparent, and fair labor mobility.

Minister Kierkgaard welcomed the formalization of the agreement, emphasizing shared principles between the two countries. “Our partnership is built on shared values: fair recruitment, equal treatment of staff, and strong cooperation to strengthen knowledge and skills for both parties. Filipino professionals have a strong professional tradition and a great culture of care. We look very much forward to seeing this cooperation grow and flourish in the years ahead,” she said.

For his part, Secretary Cacdac said the initialing reflects both governments’ firm commitment to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment. He stressed that Denmark and the Philippines are working closely to ensure a deployment process free from exploitative practices, guaranteeing Filipino workers the same rights, protections, and decent working conditions as their counterparts abroad.

Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael Mellbin underscored the broader impact of the agreement, noting that it will bring tangible benefits to both nations. “Through responsible, safe, and sustainable recruitment, this collaboration will create opportunities for Filipino workers while helping address Denmark’s needs. It will also support further upskilling and training to ensure a sufficient supply of Filipino health and care professionals, both locally and globally,” he said.

Under the MOU, Filipino professionals deployed to Denmark will gain access to continuing professional development and opportunities to exchange best practices. The program is designed to support Denmark’s health and elderly care system while safeguarding the sustainability of essential health services in the Philippines.

The framework aligns with Philippine and Danish domestic laws, international labor standards set by the International Labour Organization, and the World Health Organization Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

Speaking at the 8th National Convention of the United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (UPEEP), Aperocho emphasized that engineering is a profession rooted in service. He called for sustained professional development and stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to address today’s increasingly complex challenges.

“As professionals, we must call out shortcuts that risk lives, regardless of whose interests they serve,” Aperocho said. “We must engage constructively with regulators to shape rules that encourage innovation while protecting safety and fairness.”

Aperocho—topnotcher of the 1991 Registered Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination—has long championed innovation and operational excellence within Meralco, driving initiatives that benefit Filipino consumers. His leadership across several Meralco subsidiaries is anchored in integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to the communities he serves.

His contributions to the profession were recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), which named him Outstanding Professional of the Year in Electrical Engineering for 2024.

“Electrical engineering is the backbone of the future because we power the future,” Aperocho concluded.

Under the new agreements, PAEF and MinDA will develop customized Fulbright scholarships for individuals from conflict-affected communities in Mindanao. Selected scholars will pursue advanced studies and professional development in the United States, focusing on sectors critical to the region such as energy and agriculture.

In a separate agreement, PAEF and ADDU formalized an MoU designating the university as the host institution for the new Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP). This program will bring American students and faculty to the Philippines for cultural immersion and six-week academic courses in agriculture, rural development, engineering, and business.

“The Fulbright Program is not just a scholarship program in the Philippines—it is a cornerstone of post-war Philippine intellectual and leadership development, a symbol of the enduring U.S.–Philippine partnership, and still the single most important academic exchange mechanism between the two countries after more than 75 years,” said PAEF Chairperson and U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Jessica Simon.

“This signing is more than a ceremonial act—it is a bold step toward empowering the people of Mindanao. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, MinDA and the Fulbright Commission reaffirm a shared conviction: that education is the most powerful engine of peace, progress, and prosperity,” added MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.

ADDU Vice President for Higher Education Fr. Antonio Basilio, S.J., also emphasized the university’s commitment, saying, “The CSAP aligns with the University’s mission to advance research, innovation, and the formation of graduates committed to service and leadership. ADDU is proud to support inclusive peace and development in Mindanao through academic excellence and community outreach.”

Established on March 23, 1948, PAEF is a non-profit, binational organization sponsored by the U.S. and Philippine governments. It is the oldest continuously active Fulbright commission in the world and the oldest international scholarship program in the Philippines, having awarded grants to more than 3,000 Filipinos and nearly 1,000 Americans to pursue graduate degree studies, teaching, and research in both countries.