Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
October 20, 2023

“I encourage you to continue sharing your experiences to our countrymen and bring technical expertise back to the Philippines. I want all of you to know that your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he expressed his utmost gratitude towards all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The President made these remarks during a Filipino community gathering in Riyadh following his productive participation to the first ever Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit, emphasizing the tremendous impact of OFWs to the continuous growth of the Philippine economy.

“I eagerly look forward to your return. With your help, and the Philippine government’s reintegration programs, we will continue moving toward a bright future together,” he said.

“As cultural ambassadors who have shown the people of the world the kindness and warmth of the Filipino people, you have all contributed to the promotion of the Philippines as a remarkable tourist destination,” he continued.

The Chief Executive further vowed to strengthen the government’s unyielding commitment to improve the lives of not just migrant workers, but all Filipinos in general. “Kahit malayo kayo sa Pilipinas, ‘yung sigaw ninyo, ‘yung pagmamahal ninyo, ‘yung inyong pagsuporta ninyo sa amin at inyong paniniwala sa kinabukasan ng Pilipinas at ng Pilipino ay ramdam na ramdam namin,” he added.

“‘Yan ang nagbigay sa amin ng lakas at tibay ng loob na ipagpatuloy ang aming adbokasiya na ipagkaisa ang buong Pilipinas… Iyan po ang isusukli namin sa inyo,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.

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