Philippine Overseas Construction Board, DMW sign pact to upskill Filipino workers abroad
The Philippine Overseas Construction Board and the Department of Migrant Workers have signed a memorandum of agreement to help upskill Filipino construction workers deployed overseas. The partnership will explore programs tied to projects won by POCB-registered contractors, aiming to boost global co
THE Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to upskill Filipino construction workers deployed overseas. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement that the MoA establishes a framework for closer collaboration in promoting workforce preparedness, industry development, market access, and international engagement for the construction sector.
POCB Chairman Isidro A. Consunji said the partnership reflects the need to ensure that Filipino construction workers are globally competitive. Under the agreement, POCB and DMW will explore programs to upskill workers through projects and contracts won by POCB-registered contractors.
Mr Consunji, who is also the president and chairman of DMCI Holdings, Inc., noted that the global construction landscape is currently shaped by emerging technologies, increasing demand for specialised skills, and growing competition for talent. He highlighted the critical role of Filipino construction workers in major projects across the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and other regions.
The MoA was signed by Mr Consunji and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, together with officials and representatives from both organisations. The POCB is an agency focused on enhancing the global competitiveness of Philippine contractors and construction-related enterprises. It serves as an implementing arm of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, which is under the DTI.
According to a 2025 report by Deloitte, the global construction market is projected to grow to US$16.11 trillion by 2030 from US$11.39 trillion in 2024.
