The Philippines will continue to forge a stronger relationship to different countries in order to keep Filipinos abroad safe and protected.
President Marcos made the assurance during a gift-giving event for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Malacañan on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
"Upang masiguro na protektado at ligtas na naninirahan ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino sa ibayong-dagat, mas pinapaigting din namin ang kooperasyon at pagkakaroon ng mabuting relasyon sa iba’t ibang mga bansa (To ensure that overseas Filipinos are safe and protected, we are intensifying our cooperation and forging a good relation with different countries)," Marcos said in his speech.
He urged the citizenry to include OFWs in their prayers this Christmas.
In his speech, the President also said that OFWs should no longer be called modern heroes, but simply heroes because they have been the heroes of the country for a long time now.
"[D]apat tanggalin na natin ang ‘Bagong Bayani’ matagal na kayong bayani (We should now remove the new, you have been heroes for a long time now)," Marcos said.
Marcos also vowed OFWs that the government would continue to provide programs for them and their family, citing the establishment of OFW Hospital–Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center in Pampanga, the scholarship program for their children, and livelihood programs during their return to the country.
He also mentioned the goal to add OFW Lounge in international airports dedicated for migrant workers.
During the program, the Chief Executive presented certificates of recognition to several OFWs and led the ceremonial turnover of housing units under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program to some OFWs.
In collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the event celebrated the dedication and sacrifices of OFWs who are recognized as the nation’s modern-day heroes.