Mabalacat City, Pampanga. A Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between the Mabalacat City Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Resort Condominium Business Association of Korea, opening up employment opportunities in South Korea for Mabalaqueños. The agreement was signed by Mabalacat City Mayor Atty. Geld Aquino and Lee Soo Won, President of the Resort Condominium Business Association of Korea, creating a direct pathway for local workers to find jobs in various hotels and resorts across South Korea.
A Partnership Built on Lasting Connections
The partnership is the result of a meeting last month in South Korea, where Mayor Aquino and Vice Mayor Jun Castro pitched Mabalacat City workers to Korean investors. This builds on the city's previous agreement with Taebaek City in January 2026, which provided seasonal work opportunities for Mabalaqueños in South Korea . That earlier deal focused on agricultural workers and included provisions to ensure safe working conditions, full compensation, and protection against illegal deductions, reflecting both governments' commitment to ethical recruitment and fair labor practices . This new MOU expands those opportunities to the hospitality and resort sector, further diversifying employment options for Mabalaqueños.
What This Means for Mabalaqueño Workers
The agreement is expected to provide job openings and career opportunities in various hotels and resorts across South Korea, offering a legal, safe, and decent livelihood option for local residents. The signing was witnessed by City Administrator Oscar Deang Jr., City Legal Atty. Pons Dela Cruz, MCC President Sonny De Guzman, and several City Councilors. This partnership strengthens the city's commitment to creating opportunities for its residents and builds on the Philippines' stronger partnership with South Korea under the Seasonal Workers Program, which aims to provide protected opportunities for Filipino workers through a government-to-government system .
