Marcos thanks Albanese for assimilation of Pinoys into Australian society

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday thanked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Filipinos living in Australia have been "assimilated" into their society.

"The people-to-people exchanges between our two countries have been significant over the years and once again the Filipino nationals who live in Australia, chosen to go to live there have been, are very happy to have been assimilated properly into Australian society and for that, we are very grateful," Marcos said after his bilateral meeting with Albanese.

In response, Albanese, who was currently on an official visit to the Philippines, acknowledged the role of Filipinos, including those part of his community and electorate in Australia.

"It is true that the diaspora of course in Australia including in my local electorate and my local community, is very strong and the Filipino-Australian community, a community that makes an enormous contribution to the economic and cultural life— of a multi-cultural nation of Australia," he said.

"I'm sure I'll bring with me the very good wishes of Filipino-Australians to you, Mr. President," Albanese added.

The Australian government said that at the end of June 2021, a total of 310,620 Filipino-born people were living in Australia, which is 60.9% more than the number (193,030) from June 30, 2011.

This made Filipinos the fifth largest migrant community in Australia, equivalent to 4.1% of Australia’s overseas-born population and 1.2% of Australia’s total population. — DVM, GMA Integrated News