President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. hopes that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will explore local business opportunities and become entrepreneurs to make working abroad a choice instead of a necessity.
In his message during Go Negosyo's Kabayan Awards 2022 in Pasay City, the President hoped that OFWs would see entrepreneurship as something that can help them provide for their families.
Marcos' message was read by Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, as the President could not make it. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos represented Marcos in the event.
"We aim to make entrepreneurship an avenue where we can help OFWs and their families generate additional income to support their needs," he said.
"We hope that through entrepreneurship, our OFWs will now have the option to come back home with the ultimate goal of making working abroad a choice rather than a necessity," he added.
Through the event, President Marcos hoped that OFWs would be enlightened on topics such as financial management, smart investing, discerning business opportunities, and many others that could help in their reintegration into the economy as entrepreneurs.
"To our participants, it is my hope that you will join the summit with an open mind, allowing yourselves to widen your options for income generation and explore opportunities in the Philippines as an alternative for employment," he said.
"Now is the time to tap on your entrepreneurial spirit and your ingenuity that is uniquely Filipino. May these activities today serve as your guiding light as you pursue the next chapter of your livelihood that will allow you not only to contribute to our local economy but also to enrich the quality of lives of your loved ones," he added.
Meanwhile, Marcos reiterated that OFWs are the country's modern-day heroes.
"It goes without saying that you, our dear OFWs, serve as modern-day heroes who bring pride to our country," he said.
"Wherever you go, you bear the colors of our flag and become ambassadors in your adoptive land, showing the best of what our people can offer," he added.
According to the President, the OFWs kept the economy afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Your contributions to the Philippine economy and labor force, in general, are crucial elements to our trajectory toward lasting prosperity," he said.
"In our country's most trying times, you remained a solid foundation of our economy, ensuring the generation of remittances to support your loved ones and keep our country afloat. For all this, I thank you," he added.