President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), telling the Filipino community in Osaka that they remain central to his government’s policies.

“You are at the heart of our government’s efforts, and you deserve not only our gratitude, but you deserve our full support,” Marcos said during his meeting with the Filipino community at the Swissotel Osaka on June 21.

“We will never tire of honoring you and finding ways to improve your lives,” he added.

The President said his administration recognizes the sacrifices of OFWs to support their families and contribute to the country’s development.

“Naintindihan po namin ang hirap na pinagdadaanan at ang sakripisyong ibinibigay ninyo upang masuportahan ninyo ang inyong mga pamilya (We understand the hardships you face and the sacrifices you make to support your families),” he said.

“Kaya patuloy tayong nagsasagawa ng mga programang magpapabuti sa inyong buhay (That’s why we are continuously rolling out programs to improve your lives),” he added.

Marcos cited the establishment of OFW Lounges in airports as one such initiative to ease the travel experience of migrant workers. He also noted the government's ongoing negotiations to forge bilateral labor agreements that ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos working abroad.

“Masigasig din ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang bansang tumatanggap ng ating manggagawa para makabuo ng bilateral labor agreement upang matiyak natin na ligtas at makatao ang trabaho (We are actively coordinating with labor-receiving countries to create bilateral labor agreements to ensure decent, safe, and fair work conditions),” he said.

He assured the Filipino community that those who want to return home permanently will find opportunities waiting for them.

“Sinisiguro po natin na ang ating gobyerno ay may sapat na pagkakataon na naghihintay para sa lahat ng OFW na nais umuwi at tuluyan nang manirahan sa Pilipinas (We make sure that the government provides enough opportunities for all OFWs who wish to return and permanently settle in the Philippines),” he added.

President Marcos also highlighted the important role of Filipinos in Japan in strengthening the 70-year-old diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

“Through you, we continue to write new pages in the history of the relations between our two countries,” he said.

“We have every chance, through you, to build even stronger connections in shared values for a mutually stable, secure, and prosperous relationship,” he added.

The President described Japan as a key economic and cultural partner and urged the Filipino community to help deepen this bond.

“Nakita naman natin na talagang ang Pilipino ay nagkaroon na talaga ng napakagandang reputasyon sa buong mundo (We’ve seen how Filipinos have earned such a great reputation around the world),” he added.

Addressing the youth in the crowd, Marcos encouraged second-generation Filipino-Japanese to learn the national language and take pride in their roots.

“I encourage you to learn our language, Filipino,” he said.

“Help our community here in Japan to grow even more in love with the Philippines, to learn and embrace fully your Filipino identity,” he added.