PH gov't vows continued provision, protection for OFWs —Marcos

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday lauded the hardworking overseas Filipino workers as the government vows to extend continued assistance and provide protection for them here and abroad.

“Bilang inyong pamahalaan, muli namin pinagtitibay ang aming pangako na ipaglaban ang inyong mga karapatan, pangalagaan ang inyong kapakanaan, at palawakin ang suporta para sa inyo at sa inyong mga pamilya,” said Marcos in a recorded speech during the OFW Global Summit, which also commemorates the 31st National Migrant Workers’ Day.

(As your government, we reaffirm our promise to fight for your rights, safeguard your welfare, and expand support for you and your families.)

The chief executive added the government is also ready to help OFWs find opportunities when they return to the Philippines.

“Tinitiyak natin, may maasahan kayong tulong kapag kailangan, may sapat na proteksyon habang kayo ay nasa ibang bansa, at may malinaw na oportunidad sa inyong pagbabalik at muling pagsisimula dito sa Pilipinas,” Marcos also said.

(We are ensuring that you have reliable assistance when needed, adequate protection while you are in a foreign country, and clear opportunities upon your return and fresh start here in the Philippines.)

During the OFW Global Summit held in Quezon City, there were 50 OFWs who received livelihood assistance under the Department of Migrant Workers-National Capital Region’s Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration.

A non-government organization also provided 25 sewing machines to help them with their new source of income.

Further, Marcos emphasized the role of OFWs to nation building, hence, the importance of taking care of them.

“May this Migrant Workers Day remind us that every OFW story is a story of courage, of hope, and of nation-building. Sama-sama natin itaguyod ang isang bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang bawat manggagawang Pilipino sa anumang panig ng mundo naroon ay protektado, may oportunidad at may dangal,” he said. —KG, GMA News