As part of efforts to recognize the contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to the country's economy, a new OFW Center is set to be built in Las Piñas City to serve as a one-stop shop that caters to the needs of the so-called modern-day heroes.
President Duterte on Thursday, April 7, led the groundbreaking ceremony of the OFW Center at the Versailles Palace in Daang Hari which is among the government's projects to promote the welfare and the holistic development of our modern-day heroes.
"The productive collaboration of the government and its partners is key to achieving concrete results for our fellow countrymen, especially our hardworking kababayans abroad," Duterte said.
"I fully support projects and other activities that promote the welfare and the holistic development of our unsung heroes who will always play a crucial part in our country’s development, especially during times of recovery after tumultuous events such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic," he added.
According to the President, he is profoundly moved by the OFWs' unwavering dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices to provide a better life for their loved ones—making them worthy to be called "bagong bayani." In recognition of their service and heroism, the chief executive said his administration remains steadfast in providing the best service it could provide to OFWs.
Among the projects for overseas workers being implemented by the government are the construction of an OFW hospital in Pampanga and the institutionalization of the Department of Migrant Workers aimed at easing government transactions to benefit them and their families.
"Let us continue to revitalize our sense of duty and patriotism as we collectively endeavor to uphold and protect the welfare of all Filipinos, wherever they are in this planet," he said.
Duterte likewise thanked the Global Filipino Movement (GFM) Foundation Inc. for its initiative in supporting OFWs through the construction of the facility.
The 10-storey OFW Center building is a project of the GFM Foundation, a non-stock and non-profit organization that works with Christian churches, organizations, and individuals to provide free assistance to overseas workers.
It is envisioned to be a one-stop center for government services, ministry counseling, and legal assistance for overseas workers.
The government earlier said that OFWs have been a lifeline of the Philippines, with their remittances contributing around 9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).