BERLIN, Germany — President Marcos said that he is courting foreign business leaders to invest or start their businesses in the Philippines not only to help the economy but also to keep Filipinos home with their families instead of working abroad.

Marcos said this during his meeting with members of the Filipino community here in Berlin on Tuesday evening, March 12 (Germany time).

In his speech, the President recalled how he met and wooed German business leaders to look at the Philippines as an investment hub to help the economy and address both countries' labor issues, particularly Germany's worker shortage.

"Nagbibigay po tayo ng insentibo upang magtayo sila ng kanilang pabrika sa Pilipinas (We are giving them incentives so they would build their factories in the Philippines)," he said.

"Kung kulang na ang mga trabahador sa Germany, bakit hindi dun sa Pilipinas sila magtayo ng planta? Marami silang pagpipilian na magaling, masipag at mapagkakatiwalaang manggagawang Pilipino (If they lack workers in Germany, why not open manufacturing plants in the Philippines? They have a lot of skilled, hardworking, and trustworthy Filipino workers to choose from)," he added.

According to Marcos, the government continues to explore avenues for economic growth and employment opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad.

He reaffirmed his administration's resolve to implement programs that will create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the province, reducing the need for many Filipinos to seek employment overseas.

"Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang oportunidad ng bawat Pilipino na magkaroon ng kabuhayan ay ating palalaguin upang kayo ay hindi na kailangang lumayo pa inyong mga mahal sa buhay (In the Bagong Pilipinas, we will foster opportunities for Filipinos to work locally so they won't have to leave their loved ones)," the President said.

There are currently at least 35,000 Filipinos living and working in Germany.