By Alec Go
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed commitment anew to protect Filipinos abroad as he recognized their contribution to the Philippines, particularly to the economy through their remittances.
Marcos’ meeting with the Filipino community followed his participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) which his economic managers described as “path-breaking” and productive.
“Kailangan ko na ring dagdagan ang pasasalamat ko, hindi lamang sa inyong ginagawa ngunit sa inyong tuluyang pagpaganda sa tingin ng buong mundo sa Pilipino sa inyong magandang ginagawa, sa inyong magandang trabaho, sa inyong magandang pagkatao na ipinapakita niyo,” he said.
“Kaya naman sinasabi namin lahat po ng aming magagawa para sa ating mga OFW [overseas Filipino workers] ay kailangan nating gawin, at ngayon po – kaya naman nagkaroon [o] binuo and Department of Migrant Workers,” he continued.
The chief executive thanked OFWs for their sacrifices and hard work abroad which helps both their families and the economy.
OFW remittances reached $2.93 billion in November 2022, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
“Yung Pilipinas ay kung minsan peligroso ang lagay ng ekonomiya. Ang napapalutang sa ekonomiya natin ay ang remittance ng OFW,” he said.
Marcos told OFWs that the purpose of his trip to Davos is to present the Philippine economic situation to attract more investors.
“Natutulungan ang trabaho namin dahil maganda ang tingin sa Pilipino,” he said.
“Optimistic naman kami na sa lahat ng ating kinausap, sa ating sinubukang kumbinsihin, at [palinawagan] ay maganda naman ang naging pagtanggap sa mensahe na dala namin.”
