President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of his administration’s steadfast commitment to strengthen the Philippines’ cooperation with host countries to protect their rights and welfare.

Marcos made the vow, as he recognized the OFWs’ contributions to the country’s economy and sacrifice to give their families a better future.

“To ensure that our fellow Filipinos overseas live protected and safe, we are also strengthening cooperation and good relations with various countries,” he said in Filipino during the Pamaskong Handog Para sa Pamilyang OFW at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

Marcos said the government will continue to implement programs aimed at improving the lives of the OFWs and their families, including scholarship grants for their children and livelihood assistance for returning migrant workers.

He also mentioned the recent inauguration of the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center of the OFW Hospital in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and the establishment of the OFW lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

“We are here to promote your rights and meet your needs. Here is our Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, together with the various branches of our government, along with consulates and embassies in various parts of the world to ensure the welfare of our OFWs, including their families,” Marcos said.

Marcos also hailed the OFWs’ talent, compassion, and dedication to work, saying their values have helped shape the country’s good image.

“That's why our reputation has become so good. I don't need to be proud of the Philippines. The world is proud of Filipinos, to me. You are proof that Filipinos can compete with the talent, the intelligence, the skill of the best in the world,” he said.

"More than that, the help you give back to our country through your remittances is truly incomparable,” Marcos added.

Around 500 OFWs and their families went to Malacañan for the annual Pamaskong Handog para sa Pamilyang OFWs, which was expected to be a festive event.

During the event, Marcos presented certificates of recognition to several OFWs and led the ceremonial turnover of housing units under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program to five OFW beneciaries.

Fifty beneficiaries also received financial assistance under the Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration to enable to jumpstart their own small business as their reintegrate into their community upon returning to the country.

Noche Buena packages for the families and backpack bags for the OFWs’ children were also given during the event.

 
PNA PHOTO