Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar meeting with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan (Rep. Villar’s Office)

House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar hailed the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan for their contributions that brought honor to the country.

Villar gave this statement during an early Christmas gathering in New Taipei City that was organized by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

The event brought together over 3,000 OFWs from Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

"Taas po ang kamay ko sa inyong pagmamahal sa inyong mga pamilya, at sa inyong walang sawang pagtataguyod sa kanila, na kahit po malayo kayo sa kanila ay nandito pa din kayo ngayon, lumalaban at nagtataguyod para sa kinabukasan ng inyong pamilya at mahal sa buhay,” Villar said in a speech.

(I raise my hand for your love for your families, and for your tireless support to them, that even though you are far away from them, you are still here today, fighting and pushing for the future of your family and loved ones.)

“Saludo po ako sa inyong lahat! (I salute you all!)” she exclaimed.

Villar told the overseas Filipinos that her parents—former Senate President Manny Villar and incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar—have always told her to care for the welfare of OFWs.

The congresswoman said it was an honor to meet the OFWs in Taiwan, and noted hat she will not forget their exemplary work.

“Lahat ng pangangailangan niyo ay inaalala ko. Lapitan niyo lamang po ako, at handa po akong tumulong sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” she said.

(I am ready to take care of all your needs. Just approach me, and I am ready to help you as much as I can.)

In her speech, Villar also recognized the efforts of MECO chairperson and resident representative Cheloy Garafil for organizing the gathering. She said such celebration "captures the very essence of who we are as a people”.

“These celebrations are markers of our identity and reminders of our indomitable spirit," she added.

Following her remarks, Villar drew the winning number for the top prize of the raffle—a house and lot courtesy of the Vista Land. The developer is owned by her family.

Twenty-six-year-old Angelica Consulta Abellano, a teacher in Taiwan, was the lucky winner of the grand prize.

"Asahan niyo pong nandito lamang kami, ang Villar family na lagi pong nakasuporta sa inyo,” said Villar, a senatorial aspirant under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas 2025 Slate.

(You can rely on us to always be here, the Villar family, who has always supported you.)

“Nasa likod niyo lang po kami sa pagtataguyod niyo ng inyong mga pangarap para sa inyong pamilya at mahal sa buhay,” the solon continued.

(We are behind you in the pursuit of your dreams for your family and loved ones.)