Germany eyes Filipino nurses to ease labor shortage

Nikka Valenzuela, DW (Deutsche Welle)

Germany is looking to the Philippines to fill its growing health care worker shortage, with plans to recruit more Filipino nurses. Will Germany follow the UK in bringing more Filipino nurses into its health care system?

An expanded and more concrete migration and mobility partnership between the Philippines and Germany was one of the main talking points between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when the two leaders met in Berlin on Tuesday.

"The Philippines has a treasure of well-skilled workers," Scholz said in a joint press conference. "This is also relevant for our health sector."

Scholz said labor cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation is an important area for Germany, adding that he wants to make progress here in "a very concrete fashion."

The German chancellor said a "very comprehensive further development" of cooperation in the skilled sector was planned.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in BerlinGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Berlin

"We also plan to put this into concrete texts that we can agree on," he added.

Marcos recognized the growing workforce of Filipino health care workers in Germany, adding that the two countries were finalizing talks on deploying more Filipino skilled workers beyond the health sector.

The Philippines is an important source of skilled workers for Germany, and remittances from Filipinos living abroad is a crucial source of economic boost in the Philippines.

The Philippines' central bank reported that in 2023, over €573,000 of remittances came from Germany alone.

There are currently around 6,000 Filipino nurses working in Germany — roughly 2,000 of whom migrated through a government-to-government program that prepares and deploys Filipino nurses to German health care facilities.

Between 2030 and 2040, the shortage is expected to be a bigger issue as Germany's aging population needs increased care, according to Wido Geis-Thöne, senior economist at the German Economic Institute.

While Germany is also tapping other countries to fill in the labor shortage across different industries, Geis-Thöne said immigrants from the Philippines are mostly from the crucial health sector.

How does the medical 'brain drain' affect the Philippines?

The Philippines is the world's top supplier of nurses, with a talent pool of 620,000 licensed health care workers who are active in the workforce, some 51% of whom work abroad, according to the Philippine Health Ministry.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, in a previous visit to the Philippines, maintained that the bilateral cooperation would not lead to the loss of talent in the country. 

Despite the sizable number of health care workers in the Philippines, the country struggles with understaffing, which, in 2022, was pegged at 106,000 vacancies for nurses across public and private facilities and hospitals, according to figures from the Health Ministry.

The ministry said there should be one nurse for every 12 patients, but the health care workers' groups said this is far from the reality on the ground.

In many cases, there is only one nurse for every 20 — or sometimes even 40 — patients.

Why are so many Filipino nurses moving abroad?

Germany is just one of the many countries seeking qualified medical workers from abroad to offset its labor shortage.

The National Health Service in the  United Kingdom employs around 40,000 Filipino nurses. Thousands more have migrated to the United States, Australia, Canada and other countries where health care workers receive better wages and working conditions than in the Philippines.

Eleanor Nolasco, president of Filipino Nurses United, said nurses working in national hospitals and agencies in the Philippines earn only 36,000 Philippine pesos (€595/$650) — a fraction of the monthly salary offered abroad.

The pay in the private sector is even lower, Nolasco pointed out, as many nurses receive the minimum wage of around 15,000 pesos.

Nurses also complain of being overworked, clocking in longer hours and tending to unsafe numbers of patients at a time, Alliance of Health Workers president Robert Mendoza told DW

Both groups said low wages as well as a lack of job security and career advancement remain the main reasons why the demoralized workforce chooses to leave home.

Sharon, Sarah G, Kim and BINI light up the 'ASAP Natin 'To' stage for Women's Month

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 15, 2024 11:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Awardee, Sarah, as she performs Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” and Teddy Swim’s “Lose Control.” Megastar Sharon also serenades viewers with OPM hits as she is joined by Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid. 

Celebrate Women’s Month with stellar performances from Sharon Cuneta, Sarah Geronimo, Kim Chiu, BINI, and many more this Sunday (March 17) on "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

Get ready to be in awe with the first Filipina Billboard Global Force Awardee, Sarah, as she performs Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” and Teddy Swim’s “Lose Control.” Megastar Sharon also serenades viewers with OPM hits as she is joined by Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid. 

Aside from these, Kim wows viewers with her contemporary dance of “Never Enough,” while Nation’s Girl Group BINI performs their viral hit song “Pantropiko” on the “ASAP” stage.

Watch out for the star-studded performance of Martin, Ogie, Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, Pops Fernandez, Vina Morales, Darren Espanto, Klarisse De Guzman, Shaina Magdayo, Kim, Janine Gutierrez, KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elha Nympha, Lyka Estrella, Jason Dy, JM Yosures, Khimo, Frenchie Dy, Bituin Escalante, Katrina Velarde, JM Dela Cerna, Reiven Umali, Jeremy G, Kyle Echarri, Chie Filomeno, Joao Constancia, Jameson Blake, Aljon Medoza, BGYO, BINI, Gela Atayde, Sheen Belarmino, Krystal Mejes, Lara Maigue, and Edward Barbers. They are also joined by ‘90s stars Jolina Magdangal, Nikki Valdez, Rica Peralejo, Roselle Nava, and Lindsay Custodio.

Join Martin, Regine, Ogie, Zsa Zsa, Bituin, and Erik as they perform Pinoy band hits. Follow it up with Elton John songs delivered by singing champions Jed Madela, Angeline Quinto, Morisette, Jona, Klarisse, Fana, Annrain, Khimo, JM, Sam Mangubat, Lyka, Marielle Montellano, Bituin, Sheena, and Lara.

Prepare your hearts as Enrique Gil dances the weekend away and Donny Pangilinan serenades us with his song “Biglaan.” More ‘kilig’ vibes await viewers as BGYO sings “Patintero” and Kyle, Jeremy, and Jason take on the viral song “Ere.”

It is going to be a dance party this Sunday as AC, Darren, Gela, Jameson, and Sheena bring their dancing prowess on stage, while Vina, Chie, Regine Tolentino, Jane De Leon, and Aubrey Miles get together for the ultimate dance showdown.

More ‘biritan’ to come with the En Vogue hits collab from ASAP divas Regine, Vina, Sheryn, Frenchie, and Bituin.

Catch all these acts from the country's longest-running and award-winning musical variety show, "ASAP Natin 'To," this Sunday, 12 NN on local TV via Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, A2Z, and TV5, online through Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC, and worldwide via TFC.

MOVIEGOER: Women who inspire

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Mar 14, 2024 01:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Ina and Sunshine provide a fine example of how women can take care of themselves by looking good despite the advancing years. 

Ina Raymundo (Instagram)

In time for International Women’s Month, Ina Raymundo and Sunshine Cruz, 48 and 46 years old respectively, gamely showed off their still-lovely female form during a recent fashion event. The two actresses walked the ramp wearing what looked like beach wear reminding viewers that they still have got sex appeal even while they’re pushing 50.

Ina and Sunshine provide a fine example of how women can take care of themselves by looking good despite the advancing years. They achieve this by working hard on their bodies and personal discipline.

How they preserve their looks reminds me of those mature Korean actresses playing mother and auntie roles in their drama-novellas. You can never see an overweight actress, young or old, in them.

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Sunshine Cruz (Facebook)

Because of how they look with matching talent to boot, Ina and Sunshine continue to land roles in TV and movie projects. Ina, for one, has a substantial role in the current hit series Can’t Buy Me Love (ABS-CBN), where she plays the vengeful, comebacking mother of the lead actor Donny Pangilinan.

PASSERBY:

Former FDCP Chair Liza Diño makes history as the First Filipina French Knight in Cinema and the only Southeast Asian producer selected for EAVE Producers Workshop 2024.

Liza Diño at EAVE in Luxembourg

Such is another groundbreaking milestone in her  career as actress, producer, and government official. 

The EAVE Producers Workshop, in partnership with Film Fund Luxembourg and supported by Creative  Europe,  is  a  premier  training  lab  based  in  Europe  aimed  at  fostering  professional development and international collaboration for global producers in the film industry. The year-long   program   includes   a   series   of   three   week-long   intensive   workshops   focused   on   the development   of   fiction,   documentary,   and   TV   series   projects.

Mentored by top-notch industry leaders, the workshop offers participants a transformative training journey spanning over three residential workshops in Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden. Liza is currently in Luxembourg for the first leg of the workshop.

Good friend Jenny Peña, former PR director of Hotel Intercontinental, has written to suggest to local film authorities to organize a festival of award-winning Jaclyn Jose films, notably the Cannes Film Festival entry Ma Rosa that won her the festival's Best Actress award in 2016.

“I'm sure people, old and young alike, will be interested to watch her movies as she impressed many with her last role as Gen. Dolores Espinas in Batang Quiapo. Many aspiring movie and theater actors can learn a lot from her award-winning films. It'll also instill pride in well-made and well-acted Filipino movies among the general public.”

Dingdong Dantes

GMA murder mystery drama "Royal Blood” comes to Netflix in March, as in this month.

"Royal Blood'' is the story of Napoy (Dingdong), the illegitimate son of a business tycoon, played by Tirso Cruz III, who reunites with his long-lost father after years of neglect.

Things get complicated when his father is murdered, and he becomes the main suspect.

"Royal Blood" boasts a star-studded cast that includes Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos.

Marcos gets $4-B investment pledges from German firms

 President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (L) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Bongbong Marcos

By: Julie M. Aurelio - Reporter / @JMAurelioINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:36 AM March 14, 2024

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said that the investments that the Philippine delegation obtained in the visit of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. show the trust of German businesses in the country.

BERLIN—On the second day of his working visit to Germany, President Marcos secured at least $4 billion (about P220 billion) in foreign investment commitments from German companies in health care, information technology, agriculture and manufacturing.

The amount involved eight investment deals that were presented and exchanged during Tuesday afternoon’s Philippine-German Business Forum organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Marriott Hotel here.

These included three letters of intent (LOIs) from different German companies, two memorandums of agreement (MOA), and three memorandums of understanding (MOU).

In his remarks before German business leaders, Mr. Marcos stressed the important role of German businesses in transforming the Philippine economy.

Solar cell facility

The biggest commitment was the MOU on a $3.5-billion investment in a fully integrated solar cell manufacturing facility to process silicon sand into high grade silicon ingots, which will be used to produce high grade silicon wafers used in solar cell manufacturing.

The two other MOUs were on a $71-million investment in a manufacturing facility that will modify automobiles into high-end armor protected cars and manufacture military grade armored personnel carriers for the Asian market, and a $38.25-million investment to put up data centers that will host a digital insurance platform and serve the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

The MOA is on a $109-million public-private partnership venture to rehabilitate, reclaim and recultivate 5,000 hectares of degraded farm for an organic farming project.

Automation, logistics

A deal was also signed to expand potential collaborations in mobility solutions, software services, manufacturing, factory automation, logistics services, energy, security and safety systems for buildings, consumer appliances and health care.

The three LOIs were on a $150,000 additional investment of a German company in developing a partner hospital to become a training center to support the needs of lower tier hospitals and develop a curriculum on imaging technology; a $55,000 additional investment for the development of an innovation think tank hub, and on a strategic and digital partnership in health care with the Department of Health.

Skills upgrading

In his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the President also witnessed the signing of a renewed cooperation program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training.

Mr. Marcos said he hoped the program would be a “continuing effort” to enable Filipino workers to upskill and reskill themselves.

Scholz assured Mr. Marcos that Germany would enhance its cooperation with the Philippines in vocational education and training as part of the agreement with Tesda.

“It’s important that we also focus on this area—vocational education and training—and that we continue to cooperate closely in this sector. I believe that it will enhance the opportunities of workers from the Philippines who set out to work abroad, to live abroad, and to engage there,” he said.

“Both sides are also working toward the conclusion of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals. We will continue to work on other agreements across various areas of cooperation and look forward to their conclusion in the near future,” Mr. Marcos added.

There are around 36,000 Filipinos living and working in Germany.

Job opportunities

The President expressed optimism that his discussions with executives of top German companies here would create opportunities for jobs and skills expertise for Filipinos back home.

He met with officials of Airbus Asia-Pacific, Siemens AG and Wind Power Development (WPD GmbH) to discuss their projects in health care technology, green manufacturing, renewable energy and aerospace.

On Wednesday morning here, Mr. Marcos also visited the Siemens Energy and Gas Turbine Plant in Berlin.

In his talks with executives of Airbus Asia-Pacific, Mr. Marcos and Anand Stanley, president of Airbus Asia-Pacific, discussed partnerships in developing the Philippines’ capabilities in the aerospace sector.

The President recognized Airbus’ willingness to support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In response, Airbus reiterated its readiness to help the country boost its defense capabilities and enhance its joint venture partnership with the Philippine Aerospace Development Corp.

Siemens meeting

Mr. Marcos also met with Siemens president Roland Busch to tackle projects aimed at improving the Philippines’ health-care sector.

The DTI said Siemens would establish the Siemens Healthineers Training Center, which is seen to “respond to the demands and growing needs for advanced health-care services within the Southeast Asian region.”

Mr. Marcos also sat down for talks with officials of WPD GmbH and stressed the importance of their projects in promoting renewable energy sources in the Philippines.

The President encouraged German companies to set up shop in the Philippines to address their labor shortage.

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (IX); Schnee von gestern

 By: 

AuthorMarcel Iseli

9 Schnee von gestern 

Schnee von gestern, literally “yesterday’s snow” is one of these German sayings that is pretty easy to grasp. 

You've heard that saying twice, and you can most likely already use it flawlessly in a German sentence (if not, don’t worry, there’s going to be an example).  But where does this saying even come from?

There’s actually a pretty interesting story behind “Schnee von gestern.” Who would have thought that? Well, I didn’t.  The saying is attributed to François Villon, a fifteenth-century French poet.    

Example:

A: Bist du noch mit Uta zusammen?

B: Nein, unsere Beziehung ist Schnee von gestern.  

 

Translation:

A: Are you still together with Uta?

B: No, our relationship is water under the bridge.

Marcos inviting foreign businesses so Filipinos won't leave PH to work abroad

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Mar 13, 2024 09:39 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Marcos says the government continues to explore avenues for economic growth and employment opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad. 

BERLIN, Germany — President Marcos said that he is courting foreign business leaders to invest or start their businesses in the Philippines not only to help the economy but also to keep Filipinos home with their families instead of working abroad.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool)

Marcos said this during his meeting with members of the Filipino community here in Berlin on Tuesday evening, March 12 (Germany time).

In his speech, the President recalled how he met and wooed German business leaders to look at the Philippines as an investment hub to help the economy and address both countries' labor issues, particularly Germany's worker shortage.

"Nagbibigay po tayo ng insentibo upang magtayo sila ng kanilang pabrika sa Pilipinas (We are giving them incentives so they would build their factories in the Philippines)," he said.

"Kung kulang na ang mga trabahador sa Germany, bakit hindi dun sa Pilipinas sila magtayo ng planta? Marami silang pagpipilian na magaling, masipag at mapagkakatiwalaang manggagawang Pilipino (If they lack workers in Germany, why not open manufacturing plants in the Philippines? They have a lot of skilled, hardworking, and trustworthy Filipino workers to choose from)," he added.

According to Marcos, the government continues to explore avenues for economic growth and employment opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad.

He reaffirmed his administration's resolve to implement programs that will create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the province, reducing the need for many Filipinos to seek employment overseas.

 "Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang oportunidad ng bawat Pilipino na magkaroon ng kabuhayan ay ating palalaguin upang kayo ay hindi na kailangang lumayo pa inyong mga mahal sa buhay (In the Bagong Pilipinas, we will foster opportunities for Filipinos to work locally so they won't have to leave their loved ones)," the President said.

There are currently at least 35,000 Filipinos living and working in Germany.

Vivamax ramps up the heat with 'Kalikot' and 'T.L.'

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 13, 2024 07:14 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Another offering is T.L., a provocative film exploring the consequences of ambition becoming dangerous.

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Arah Alonzo (left) and Shiela Snow

Join Shiela Snow, Arah Alonzo, and Van Allen Ong in their sneaky and lustful encounters in Kalikot, streaming on March 12.

In a film by Temi Cruz Abad, Kalikot tells the story of a part-time auto mechanic who enjoys fixing cars and fantasizing about the woman who lives across the auto shop.

Van Allen Ong plays Arnold, a mechanical engineering student who works part-time at his uncle’s auto shop while on a semester break. One day at work, he sees and gets mesmerized by the sight of Salve, aka Sal (portrayed by Shiela Snow), a beautiful woman who moves into an apartment building just in front of the shop. Arnold has got it down badly for Salve that even during his sexual encounters with Jenna (Arah Alonzo), his no-strings-attached partner and classmate, he still thinks about Salve.  

To Arnold’s luck, Salve visits the shop and has her car serviced, which Arnold gladly takes care of. The young man’s admiration for Salve grows stronger, which Salve finds attractive. Soon, they find themselves having an illicit affair. Worse, Arnold learns that Salve is the newest professor in his college. 

What will be the future of their relationship that began with lustful desires? What other secrets and surprises will Arnold discover about Salve? Will it still please him, or will it become his worst nightmare? 

FROM LEFT: Arah Alonzo, director Temi Cruz Abad, and Shiela Snow

Another offering is T.L., a provocative film exploring the consequences of ambition becoming dangerous.

Directed by Jay Castillo, ‘T.L.’ follows the story of Brenda (Jenn Rosa), a seasoned call center agent who, despite her hard work, finds herself repeatedly overlooked for promotion. Her colleagues allegedly resort to giving sexual favors to their TLs (team leaders) in exchange for promotion.

Although she’s disheartened by her stagnant career, she feels lucky that she gets to work in the same company with her boyfriend, Phil (Armani Hector). They even make time for their sex life while in the office. Their secret encounters come to a halt when Phil gets transferred to a different shift. 

With Phil’s absence comes a new chance for Brenda to climb the corporate ladder when she meets TL Carl (Nico Locco), the man tasked with approving her promotion. Unlike other supervisors rumored to exploit their positions, Carl presents himself with a clean reputation: he is a family man with no hint of scandal. Brenda feels encouraged that her hard work will finally pay off this time.

However, it seems that Carl is harboring a secret life that Brenda will discover one day. Will Brenda finally achieve the promotion she desires? Or will her new TL only cause her more setbacks and heartbreaks? ‘T.L.’ is available for streaming on March 30.

To stream Kalikot and T.L., subscribe to Vivamax at web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, App Store, or Huawei App Gallery. 

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (VII): Aus dem Nähkästchen plaudern

 By: 

AuthorMarcel Iseli

7. aus dem Nähkästchen plaudern

‘To talk out of the sewing box.’ That would be the literal translation of “aus dem Nähkästchen” plaudern. But what the heck is that even supposed to mean? Well, it means “to give away secrets,” more specifically telling inside stories.

 That could be at work or also in the office. But where does the sewing box fit into all of this?!? Well, sewing boxes used to be a good place to hide secrets. So in earlier times, women often hid secrets in the sewing box along with their sewing tools.

The sewing box seemed to be the perfect place for secrets, as only women had access to it.  It all makes sense now, right? If not, the following example hopefully clears things up for you!  

Example:

Bei deiner Großmutter ist auch wirklich kein Geheimnis sicher! Die plaudert doch den ganzen Tag aus dem Nähkästchen!  

Translation:

No secret is safe with your grandmother! She talks all day long.  

Public cautioned vs high heat index, scattered rains

Amid the many activities for the Araw ng Dabaw, participants to the festivities are advised to take precautions against the extreme heat brought about by the El Niño season.

Citing a PAGASA El Niño Advisory saying the dry season is expected to last until May this year, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) Chief Alfredo Baloran reminded Dabawenyos and tourists alike to take necessary precaution against the heat and to use sun protection when going outdoors.

“As we experienced during daytime, taas kaayo ang atong heat index so init gyud siya. Mao na atong ginahatag na mga advisory sa atong mga kaigsoonan especially karon kay naa tay activities for the Araw ng Dabaw (Our heat index is very high it is very hot. That is the advisory for the public especially since we have activities for the Araw ng Dabaw),” Baloran said in an interview with the City Information Office on Monday,

“Always be hydrated ang atong mga kaigsoonon especially the players nga ang events are directly under the heat of the sun— kaning naa sa field (Everyone must always stay hydrated, especially the ones participating in events that are directly under the heat of the sun- those in the field),” he said.

Participants and merrymakers are advised to limit sun exposure to avoid sunburn, hives, and to prevent even more serious health risks such as heatstroke and skin cancer.

CDRRMO-911 responders, he added, have been deployed to key areas of the festivities to respond to emergencies caused by the extreme heat. Baloran said foot medics, ambulances, and BDRRMC personnel trained to respond to medical emergencies are never far from areas of convergence for Araw ng Dabaw.

“Naa diha ang atoang mga medical team. Atong gina-deploy especially sa mga events directly exposed sa adlaw og kadtong mga events pud na nay physical contact (Our medical teams are there. We deployed them especially to events directly exposed to the sun and to events that require physical contact),” Baloran said.

Apart from this, the CDRRMO also advised the public to take extra measures for the weather as rain showers have also been experienced amid the extreme heat.

“Ang atong pahimangno is init during the daytime but in the afternoon naay scattered rain showers and localized thunderstorms … Slowly, nagasulod na pud ang La Niña so we are preparing (Our reminder is that it is hot during the daytime and in the afternoon there are scattered rain showers and localized thunderstorms … Slowly the La Niña is coming so we are also preparing [for that]),” Baloran added.

DOST-PAGASA earlier this year issued an advisory predicting the end of the dry season and the start of La Niña in April.

The public is urged to follow the CDRRMO Facebook page for timely weather advisories: https://www.facebook.com/DavaoDRRMO (CIO)