By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored the importance of his foreign trips in improving the welfare of Filipinos abroad along with reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with other countries.
Speaking to the Filipino community at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi shortly after he arrived for a five-day state visit in India, the President recognized the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipinos in promoting the Philippines on the global stage.
“Being with you reminds us and impresses once more upon us, that our overriding mission in every foreign visit is to improve the lot and the lives of Filipinos, both in our motherland and outside of the Philippines all around the world,” he said, describing every gathering with Filipino communities abroad as one of the highlights of his visits.
“Ipinagmamalaki nating lubos ang inyong pagtataguyod ng napakagandang pangalan at pagkilala sa ating bansa, sa pamamagitan ng inyong husay, ng inyong galing, at pakikipag-kapwa-tao.”
Based on data from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there are about 1,356 Filipinos currently residing in India, either married to Indian nationals or working professionals.
Marcos arrived in New Delhi on Monday at 2:20 p.m. local time (4:50 p.m. in Manila) for a five-day state visit to the Republic of India from Aug. 4–8 on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India. He is accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos, several Cabinet officials, and Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio.
During the meeting with the Filipino community, the President noted the recent launch of the visa-free entry for Indian tourists, the ongoing push for direct flights between the Philippines and India, and the improvement of airport facilities, including the establishment of lounges for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)
“For your convenience and that of other OFWs who regularly travel to and from the Philippines, we continue to improve all our facilities, our NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) terminals, as well as those of our regional airports, especially in popular tourist destinations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive assured that the Philippines will elevate its bilateral relations with the world’s fourth biggest economy to a strategic partnership as well as sign various agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation in the sectors “we have not explored with India before such as defense, trade and investment, health, tourism, and other areas.” (with report from Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
-jpv
