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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Government 'on the same page' with private sector in Middle East crisis response—Marcos

Government 'on the same page' with private sector in Middle East crisis response—Marcos

Published Apr 9, 2026 08:46 am
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to discuss education and employment on April 8, 2026 at the Malacañan Palace. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to discuss education and employment on April 8, 2026 at the Malacañan Palace. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Marcos said the government agrees with the private sector on strategies to mitigate the impact of the tensions in the Middle East.
“Ang magandang naging resulta dito (The good result here was) we are very much in agreement with the private sector advisors kung ano yung dapat gawin to mitigate the effects of what is happening in the Middle East,” Marcos said in an interview with Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
“So, tama yung pareho ang aming (We have the same) thinking… we are on the same page,” Marcos added.
The President made the remarks following a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on Wednesday, April 8.
According to Marcos, various proposals were discussed, including job creation and workforce development during the meeting that lasted for more than an hour.

Jobs, training for returning OFWs

Marcos said the government is accelerating training programs to help displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) quickly reenter the labor force.
“Yung inuna natin dyan ay para doon sa mga nakauwi na OFW. Paano ngayon sila? So, hinahanapan namin ng mga paraan para kung ready sila, makahanap sila ng bagong trabaho (What we prioritized there were the OFWs who have returned home. What will happen to them now? So we are finding ways to help them, so that if they are ready, they can find new jobs),” the President said.
“Yung dating sistema natin in-accelerate na natin para mas mabilis ang maging training nila para makapasok na naman sila sa trabaho (We have accelerated our previous system so their training can be completed faster and they can get back to work more quickly),” he added.
Marcos also noted that assistance is being extended to those who prefer to start their own businesses, including access to financing and other forms of support.
“Meron din kaming ginagawa para doon sa ayaw ng maging empleyado ay magtatayo ng sariling negosyo (We are also doing something for those who wants to put up a business). We are also helping with that," Marcos said, citing loan assistance.
The President emphasized that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will play a key role in absorbing workers and sustaining economic activity.

Related Tags

President Marcos private sector Middle East conflict OFWs jobs
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