SINGAPORE --- President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has expressed his gratitude to the government of Singapore for giving around 200,000 "happy" and "content" Filipinos opportunities and a second home.
Marcos said this during the State Luncheon hosted by Singaporean President Halimah Yacob on September 7.
In his speech, the President said Singapore's developed economy presents an opportunity for thousands of Filipinos who have chosen to improve their lives in Singapore for the betterment of themselves, their families, and the Philippines.
Marcos added that Filipinos in Singapore are generally happy and content with their situation.
"It serves as a second home to them now," he said.
"I have heard from our Filipino nationals here in Singapore. And they are as a group; I can say they are happy and content with their decision to come to Singapore to make their lives here with you," he added.
"Singaporeans have been open and warm in the relations with our Filipino workers here in Singapore. And for that, once again, I thank the Singaporean government, and I thank the Singaporean people," he continued.
Singapore is home to 200,000 Filipinos working as household service workers, medical professionals, engineers, architects, bankers, entrepreneurs, teaching personnel, performers, lawyers, media practitioners, researchers, writers, and IT professionals.
Before he arrived here for his State Visit, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) appealed to the President to help them live more comfortably in Singapore. There were claims that some employers were not allowing Filipino domestic workers to take their day off.
In a press briefing, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that the new Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is already looking for solutions to address the concerns of OFWs in Singapore.