President Marcos has assured Filipinos that the government is striving to implement reforms and foster economic development to create domestic opportunities for Filipino workers and make overseas work an option rather than a necessity.

Marcos said this as he recognized 13 honorees of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) for bringing pride to the Philippines and Filipinos abroad, in Malacañan on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

In his speech, the President acknowledged that millions of individuals are migrating internationally for work opportunities.

"Our dream is to, one day, make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity," he said.

"We continue to implement reforms in governance and economic development to provide our people with opportunities here at home," he added.

According to Marcos, the government remains dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of overseas Filipinos and their families, regardless of location.

Among the government’s initiatives are strengthening labor agreements with foreign countries, conducting aggressive campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, and mobilizing the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) na Nangangailangan Fund.

The President also highlighted open government communication channels for migrant workers through the One Repatriation command, and efforts to facilitate the safe repatriation of OFWs affected by calamities and conflicts.

"Our embassies and consulates abroad remain vigilant in looking after our people wherever they may be in the world," Marcos said.

Outstanding overseas Filipinos, organizations

In his speech during the event, Marcos highlighted the accomplishments of the PAFIOO awardees in various fields, particularly their noble works that enhanced the quality of life in their respective communities.

"Your stories continue to inspire us to make a difference and to rise above whatever adversity we face," he said.

"Salamat po sa [ipinamalas] ninyong kabayanihan at kakayahan na nagbigay karangalan sa ating bansa, sa ating mga kababayan at sa Republika ng Pilipinas (Thank you for the heroism and skills that you showed that gave pride to the Philippines)," he added.

President Marcos said the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Pamana ng Pilipino, and Banaag awardees have ventured into foreign lands, faced challenges head-on, and triumphantly excelled in their lines of work.

He also thanked the “Kaanib ng Bayan” awardees. These are natural-born foreign individuals or organizations that have shown the same level of support, passion, and care for overseas Filipino communities.

"Thank you for showing compassion to Filipinos, especially in their times of need," Marcos said.

Before concluding his speech, the President urged the awardees and all Filipinos overseas to continue serving their countrymen and the communities they call home. He also encouraged the public to draw inspiration from the remarkable contributions of the awardees.

The President likewise extended his best wishes for a meaningful celebration and observance of the Overseas Filipino Month and a Merry Christmas.

"And as you spend time with your loved ones, I invite you to revisit the beauty of our country, the richness of our culture, and the warmth of our people," he said.

The PAFIOO is a biennial award system that recognizes outstanding overseas Filipinos, foreign individuals, and organizations, for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions.

These contributions include advancing the welfare of overseas Filipinos, supporting national development efforts, or raising the international profile of the Filipino diaspora.

From 1991 to 2022, 540 individuals and organizations from 53 countries and territories have been recognized and awarded.