Marcos urges young Filipinos to grab opportunities in Japan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday encouraged young Filipinos in Japan to take advantage of all opportunities available in the Land of the Rising Sun as he met with the Filipino community in Tokyo to kick off his four-day state visit.

“To you, our dear young Filipino citizens living here in Japan, in the midst of the challenges and uncertainties in the world today, I encourage you to take advantage of the all the opportunities available to you in this country, and in return, contribute positively to the society that you have taken as your own,” said Marcos in his speech.

“It is my fervent hope that you succeed in all your endeavors in your chosen careers. Whether it be business, the arts, the professional arena, the service sector, or in sports, I urge you to make a good account of yourselves and be proud of heritage as Filipinos,” he added.

The chief executive further urged the young Filipinos in Japan to be proud of their heritage.

“Our greatest asset is our unique identity. Let your Filipino heritage emanate from you, in your daily interactions, while still being mindful of social norms,” Marcos said.

“You are the torch bearers of the next 70 years of our relations with Japan. Through you, the legacy of the brotherhood and the friendship we have forged will carry on.”

Marcos also lauded the Filipino workers in Japan and vowed continued support from the Philippine government.

“Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan. Kayo ang nagbibigay buhay sa ugnayang ito sa gitna ng Pilipinas at Japan,” he said.

(You are the reason why the relationship between the Philippines and Japan is important. You give life to this connection between the Philippines and Japan.)

“Napakahalaga sa amin na ipabatid sa inyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay walang tigil at walang sawang nagsisikap upang mapangalagaan ang inyong mga karapatan, kapakanan, at kaligtasan habang naghahanapbuhay sa ibayong dagat.”

(It is very important for us to let you know that your government is working tirelessly and relentlessly to protect your rights, welfare, and safety while earning a living overseas.)

Marcos arrived in Japan with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. He was accompanied by some members of the Cabinet including Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel, and Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

The Philippine delegation was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Japan H.E. Mylene Garcia-Albano.

During the gathering, there were also performances by OPM singer Florante, The Voice US Season 26 champion Sofronio Vasquez, and a group of professional entertainers in Japan.

During his departure message earlier, Marcos said that his visit from May 26 to May 29 seeks to strengthen ties between the Philippines and Japan in the areas of agriculture, energy and decarbonization, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, infrastructure, defense and security, space technology, and also the development of Mindanao.

Marcos is also expected to meet with Japan’s business leaders. —RF, GMA News