House Speaker Martin Romualdez shared on Monday morning, Sept. 19 (Philippine time) photos of the warm welcome received by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. from the Filipino community in the Newark, New Jersey in the United States (US).
Marcos's touching base with the Filipino expatriates was a vital side trip of the President, who is scheduled to participate in the 77th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.
Romualdez, along with other members of the Philippine delegation to the UN, accompanied Marcos during his meeting with the thousands of ecstatic Filipinos at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The event took place late Sunday afternoon in Newark.
“Your warm welcome and expression of strong support certainly serve not only as an inspiration to our President but also an affirmation of the overwhelming mandate he carries as he engages with other world leaders to articulate our country’s position on some of the critical issues facing the world today such as climate change, and food security, and rule
of law,” Romualdez said, referring to the Filipinos stateside.
Romualdez lauded the vital contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants through the dollar remittances that they send to their families and relatives back home in the Philippines.
“At this juncture, when our economy is buffeted by external factors, your remittances help to cushion the pressure that has been driving down the value of our peso with the unfortunate consequence of increasing prices of basic commodities,” noted the Speaker, who represents Leyte's 1st district.
By sending their hard-earned dollars home, Romualdez said they not only help their families but also boost the country’s foreign reserves.
“Truly, you are our modern-day heroes,” he added.
The First Family, including Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, also took part in the trip.