By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to improve the overall quality of life and livelihood of every Pinoy as he commended the Filipino community in Australia for their contribution in elevating the image of the Philippines.
“Lagi kong sinasabi, lahat ng pinupuntahan ko. Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa mga Pinoy na nakatira sa iba’t ibang bansa, sa inyo na nandito sa Australia dahil sumikat po ang Pilipinas dahil sa inyo,” the President said during a meeting with the Filipino community in Melbourne Monday night.
Marcos noted that the hard work, talent, graciousness, and propensity to support other people reflect the Filipino character which “significantly improved” the image of the country in Australia.
“I am truly proud to be with hardworking, optimistic, and passionate Filipinos who have joined the diverse Australian society to live, to work, to study, to raise families, to contribute to the betterment of your adoptive communities,” he added.
Marcos stressed that the government will achieve its agenda for social and economic transformation with the active participation of all sectors of society, including overseas Filipinos.
“Kaya’t in return for all you have given us, this government is committed to improving life and livelihood for every Filipino wherever they may be. The Philippine economy now is thriving, marked by good growth, optimistic forecasts, record highs in employment, tourism, manufacturing,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive invited Filipinos in Australia to revisit the Philippines and “see for themselves” the developments made under his Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
“Let us always remember that the adage that is true, that home is where the heart is. So cherish your Filipino identity because in that way you remain connected to us, to the Philippines, no matter where you are,” Marcos added.
According to Malacañang, Australia is home to around 408,000 Filipinos and Australians of Filipino descent.
Data from Australian Bureau of Statistics in June 2022 showed that there were about 58,935 individuals in Greater Melbourne who have at least one parent born in the Philippines. – avds
