Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has lauded the contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in cushioning the impact of the global economic crisis on the country through their remittances, calling them “miracle workers.”

During the first Worldwide Conference of Overseas Filipinos for Good Governance on Thursday morning, Lim cited the contributions of OFWs in fortifying the economy especially at a time when major economies worldwide were falling into recessions.

“All of you (OFWs) have endured hardships and faced all the challenges in a foreign land and your relentless endeavors in achieving your dreams to have a better future for your family have, indeed, helped our nation as a whole. Sa  pamamagitan ng inyong remittances hindi tinablan ng recession ang ating bansa. If you are called unsung heroes or bayaning buhay you should also be called miracle workers,” Lim said.

He likewise assured the OFWs during his speech that the Aquino administration will be prioritizing the strengthening and expansion of protection for the OFWs.

“Dahil lalo na kayong mga OFWs, kayo ang boss ni Pangulong Noy. Mahalaga kayo sa kanya at sa abot ng aking makakaya sisikapin kong tulungan ang bagong administrasyon sa haranging itong maproteksyunan kayo kahit saan man sulok ng mundo makarating,” Lim said.

Lim said since Aquino's platform is transformational change, there is only one thing that he could not change, “ang paghanga, paggalang, at taas-noong pagpupugay namin sa mga OFWs”, Lim said. “Kayo po ang mga bayaning tunay kaya saludo kami sa inyo at yuko ang aming mga ulo sa inyong pagmamalasakit para sa inang bayan,” he added.

Lim also took note of OFWs who returned to the country to witness the inauguration of President Aquino last Wednesday.

“You showed your gratitude to our beloved country by coming from a far away place just to attend the inaugural of our new president because all of you want to get involve to support his administration which he really needs,” he said.

“Huwag nating kalimutan ang mga pinamana sa atin ng ating mga ninuno, ang mga magagandang asal at kanais-nais na kaugalian na ipaalala sa ating mga anak, apo o mga kamag-anak na nasa labas ng bansa,” Lim said.