Filipinos' presence in Vietnam manifests the strong relations between the Philippines and the foreign country.
President Marcos made the statement before the Filipino community in Vietnam on Monday, Jan. 29, upon his arrival there.
“Isang patunay ng malapit na ugnayan ng ating dalawang bansa ay ang tinatawag nating people-to-people connections. At kayo, ang mga Pilipino na nandito sa Vietnam, ang patunay kung gaano kalapit ang ating mga bansa (One of the proofs that our countries have strong ties is what we call the people-to-people connections. And you, Filipinos that are here in Vietnam, are the proof of our countries' close relations),” Marcos said in his speech.
“Kaya’t ako’y lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat dahil napapadali ang aking trabaho dahil sa magandang reputasyon na itinaguyod niyo sa pamamagitan ng inyong sipag at tiyaga dito sa Vietnam (So I thank you as you make my job easier because of the good reputation you uphold through your hardwork and perseverance here in Vietnam)," he added.
The President said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)have won admiration in different parts of the world, adding that he won’t be surprised if Vietnamese leaders also heaped praises on their performance.
He noted that there are several notable Filipino brands that have established their presence in the Vietnamese market for several years now, with some of them having been there since the mid-90s.
Marcos vowed to continuously pursue efforts to fight poverty in the country particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vietnam is home to some 7,000 OFWs whose remittances amount to $13,683,000.
The Philippines and Vietnam established their formal diplomatic relations on July 12, 1976, with their ties now spanning 47 years. The two countries elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2015.
Marcos’ trip to Vietnam is his first state visit this year. He will be back in the country on Jan. 31.