MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ cooperation with host countries in order to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs.
Addressing a festive gathering of over 500 OFWs and their families at the annual “Pamaskong Handog para sa Pamilyang OFWs” event at Malacañan Palace, Marcos recognized the invaluable contributions of OFWs to the Philippine economy and the sacrifices they make to provide a better future for their loved ones back home.
“To ensure that our fellow Filipinos overseas live protected and safe, we are also strengthening cooperation and good relations with various countries,” Marcos said, underscoring the government’s efforts to safeguard the well-being of OFWs.
The president highlighted the government’s plans to continue implementing programs aimed at improving the lives of OFWs and their families, including scholarship grants for their children and livelihood assistance for returning migrant workers.
Marcos also pointed to recent initiatives, such as the 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 assured the gathering.
The president hailed the OFWs’ talent, compassion, and dedication to work, stating that their values have helped shape the country’s positive global image. He also acknowledged the crucial role of OFW remittances in supporting the Philippine economy, describing them as “truly incomparable.”
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 beneficiaries. Additionally, 50 beneficiaries received financial assistance under the Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration to help them start their own small businesses upon returning to the country.
The annual “Pamaskong Handog para sa Pamilyang OFWs” event, which included the distribution of Noche Buena packages for the families and backpack bags for the OFWs’ children, aimed to celebrate and support the dedication and contributions of the Philippines’ overseas workforce.
