Muju County announced that it has extended a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the introduction of foreign seasonal workers with the Maragondon Municipality in Cavite, Philippines, on September 7th. This agreement extends the existing cooperation relationship signed in 2022 until 2027 and includes provisions for automatic extension if there are no objections.

Muju County Mayor Hwang In-hong and Maragondon Mayor Lawrence Arca met at the Muju County Office and agreed on matters such as strengthening the selection and management of legal seasonal workers, preventing illegal stay, protecting and improving the rights and welfare of workers, and taking immediate protective measures in case of rights violations. Both sides also inspected the working environment and living conditions of public seasonal workers and discussed ways to expand cooperation.

Mayor Hwang stated, "The extension of this agreement will contribute to alleviating the labor shortage in Muju's farms and promoting agricultural development," adding, "We will further strengthen the friendly relations between the two cities."

According to Muju County, since 2022, a total of 178 Filipino workers have been deployed through the public seasonal worker program (operated by Muju Nonghyup), working approximately 23,750 times in 8,139 farms, significantly helping to alleviate labor shortages on-site.

Meanwhile, the Maragondon delegation experienced Muju's natural and tourist resources, including the 29th Muju Firefly Festival, Jiksan Mountain accident site, and Meruwa Cave, fostering cultural exchange.

Mayor Lawrence Arca stated, "The work environment in Muju County is pleasant and safe, providing peace of mind," and expressed, "We will actively cooperate to ensure that high-quality labor continues to be stably supplied to Muju."