By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Echoing his earlier sentiments in his departure statement on Sunday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored the indispensable contribution of 7,500 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) towards the betterment of Cambodia, which manifested itself in schools, hospitals, businesses, and major infrastructure projects, including the construction of Cambodia’s new international airport.
“You represent so powerfully a premium, world-class Filipino brand that embodies heroism,” President Marcos said during his meeting with the Filipino community shortly after his arrival in Phnom Penh for a three-day State Visit.
“Hindi lamang kayo bayani ng inyong mga pamilya. Kayo rin ay bayani ng kapos-palad dito sa Cambodia na binabahagian ninyo ng mga bunga ng sarili ninyong paghihirap,” the President added, addressing the crowd at the Grand Sofitel Ballroom.
Marcos likewise noted that the sacrifices of Pinoy migrant workers in Cambodia stands as a hallmark of the excellence, dedication, and innate hospitality that Filipino people are known for across the globe, reaffirming the government’s commitment to uplift their lives vis-à-vis Philippine citizenry.
“Higit sa lahat ay patuloy nating tatalakayin sa Cambodia ang pagpapatibay sa kaukulang proteksyon at kagalingan ng mga migranteng manggagawa,” the Chief Executive pledged to the OFWs.
“Kung kaya’t naatasan ko si Secretary [Hans Leo] Cacdac na magbukas ng Migrant Workers Office (MWO) dito sa Phnom Penh sa lalong madaling panahon upang maging katuwang ng ating Embahada sa pagsulong ng inyong kapakanan at ipagtanggol ang inyong mga karapatan,” the President added.
The MWO will serve as a vital hub for Filipino workers, offering direct assistance and services that include legal support, welfare aid, reintegration efforts, and skills training programs. It will also enhance the Philippine Embassy’s ability to protect labor rights and foster deeper collaboration on labor matters between the two nations.
President Marcos is on a three-day state visit to Cambodia, where he will be meeting with top government officials and business leaders, and is expected to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between both countries in defense, security, higher education, and trade, as well as secure their support for the Philippines’ Chairpersonship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.
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