By Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their contributions to the country’s economy during his third and longest State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos said OFWs contributed P30 billion to the country’s economy in 2023.
“Sadyang napakalaking tulong nito sa ating bumabangon na ekonomiya,” he said.
“Kaya hindi lamang pasasalamat, kundi parangal ang ating ipinapaabot sa lahat ng ating mga OFWs. Sana ay napapanood nila ito. Ramdam na ramdam hanggang dito sa ating bansa ang inyong sakripisyo,” the President added.
He underscored the government’s effort to promote mutual interests with other states to help create quality jobs for Filipinos.
These vital partnerships, he added, resulted not only in investments but in the strengthening of the country’s national security as well.
Meanwhile, the protection of Filipino seafarers was further intensified, as the United Nations adopted the resolution on “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers,” achieved through intense Philippine lobbying.
OFWs affected by various conflicts abroad like in Israel, Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and Yemen were repatriated to ensure their safety.
The government also extended help to those affected by calamities and crises in Taiwan and New Zealand.
The President said that while bilateral labor agreements and international cooperation are being forged, other efforts to serve OFWs better were also launched.
He mentioned the OFW Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Seafarer’s Hub in Manila which were launched this year so they can comfortably stay as they process their documents or while they are waiting for their flights.
“Hanggang sa kanilang pag-uwi, buong-puso pa rin ang ating pagtanggap at paglingap. Ang nagbabalik-bayang mga OFWs, kasama ang kanilang pamilya ay sinusuportahan nating mabuti upang maging maayos ang kanilang bagong simula dito sa bansa para makakuha ng magandang trabaho o di kaya’y makapagtayo ng negosyo,” he said.
The President also conveyed his sincerest gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for keeping the Kingdom’s promise to help unpaid OFWs receive their overdue benefits.
Marcos assured OFWs that the government would continue to assist and help them and ensure their protection while working abroad.