THE Philippines’ growing ties with New Zealand were highlighted in the Senate, with lawmakers citing the educational and employment opportunities extended by the country to Filipinos.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed appreciation to the New Zealand government for providing educational opportunities to Filipinos, citing one of his staff members who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in New Zealand through a government-sponsored scholarship.

Gatchalian said such programs provide Filipinos with valuable opportunities to gain knowledge and skills while advancing their personal and professional development.

“One of my staff actually is taking up his master’s there in New Zealand, sponsored by the New Zealand government,” Gatchalian said.

He described the scholarship program as a valuable opportunity for Filipinos to expand their knowledge and continuously improve themselves, while thanking the New Zealand government for extending the program to Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the Philippines and New Zealand, particularly through the growing Filipino community in the country.

Zubiri said many of his provincemates are working on New Zealand’s dairy and sheep farms, including graduates of Central Mindanao University who are now employed as veterinarians and agriculturists.

He noted that New Zealand has become an important destination for overseas Filipino workers, alongside Canada, and emphasized the positive experiences of Filipinos working in both countries.

Zubiri said these people-to-people ties, together with the Philippines’ longstanding friendship with New Zealand, were among the reasons senators unanimously supported the Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFA) with Canada and New Zealand.

The Senate discussions underscored that Philippine-New Zealand relations go beyond diplomatic cooperation, encompassing education, professional development, employment, and opportunities for Filipinos seeking to build their careers abroad.