MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the government is committed to make overseas work “a choice rather than a necessity” for Filipinos.
In a speech at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, the Chief Executive said his administration is implementing governance and economic reforms to make their goal a reality.
“Our dream is to, one day, make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity,” Marcos said. “We continue to implement reforms in governance and economic development to provide our people with opportunities here at home.”
The President, however, acknowledged that millions of individuals are migrating internationally for work opportunities, including Filipinos.
“With this, the government continues to take steps to safeguard the rights and well-being of overseas Filipinos and their families, regardless of their location,” the President added.
Among the initiatives cited by the President include the strengthening labor agreements with foreign countries, conducting aggressive campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, and mobilizing the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) na Nangangailangan Fund.
The President also highlighted open government communication channels for migrant workers through the One Repatriation command, as well as efforts to facilitate the safe repatriation of OFWs affected by calamities and conflicts.
“Our embassies and consulates abroad remain vigilant in looking after our people wherever they may be in the world,” Marcos said./PN
