Vice President Sara Duterte hailed and thanked overseas Filipinos around the world on Christmas day and assured them of her support.
In a statement on Dec. 25, which she called a "Pagpapasalamat" message (message of gratitude), Duterte recognized the contributions and sacrifices of all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipinos living abroad as she wished them a merry Christmas.
"Walang hanggang pasasalamat sa ating mga kababayan na nasa labas ng bansa, ang ating mga minamahal na overseas Filipino workers at Filipinos living abroad (Unending gratitude to our countrymen abroad, our dear overseas Filipino workers and Filipinos living abroad)," she said.
"Dahil sa inyong mga sakripisyo, ang ating ekonomiya ay nananatiling matatag. Kayo ang repleksyon ng progreso at talento na nag-aangat sa bandila ng Pilipinas saan mang panig ng mundo (Because of your sacrifices, our economy continues to be stable. You are the reflection of progress and talent that raise the flag of the Philippines any where in the world)," she added.
The Vice President expressed that she joined their loved ones here in remembering them as the country celebrates the holidays this week.
She hopes that her thoughts and admiration reach them this Christmas.
"Ang lagi kong dasal na ang inyong mga pagsisikap ay masusuklian ng tagumpay upang ang inyong mga anak, pamilya at sarili ay magkaroon ng maginhawang kinabukasan (My constant prayer is for you to gain success to give a better life to your children, family, and yourself)," she told them.
Duterte also assured them of her support in achieving a better future as the second highest leader in the country.
"Makakaasa kayo na ako ay nasa inyong likuran upang sumuporta sa inyong mga pangarap, pagsisikap at sa inyong paglalakbay tungo sa magandang kinabukasan (You can expect that I will be behind you to support you in your dreams, endeavor, and journey towards a better future)," Duterte said.