President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. praised Filipinos living in Indonesia for their “good standing” in the nation and commended them for their support of bilateral relations in the areas of trade, tourism, and human relations.
The visit to the OFW community in Indonesia was Marcos’ formal event of his three-day state visit to Indonesia from September 4–6.
“I am very happy to see that this kinship and close people-to-people ties continue to endure as shown by the vitality of the Filipino community here in Indonesia. Napakalaki ang respeto ng mga Indonesian sa mga Pilipino dahil sa inyo,” said Marcos.
“You have become valued members of the local society. As investors, as company directors, business consultants, lawyers, accountants, engineers, teachers, and technical staff. “Every time we hear news of yet another success by our OFWs, we are always saying thank you for the glory you bring to our country, for the good name that you burnish and polish of our country while you are abroad. Iba talaga ang galing ng Pinoy saan man sa mundo,” he added.
Marcos said that “the lack of opportunities at home” is a factor in why some Filipinos choose to work overseas.
He stated that his government will continue to work to ensure that every Filipino’s economic, social, and cultural potential is fully fulfilled in their own nation so that people leave for new possibilities rather than out of need.
“We dream that the day will come that Filipinos will only travel abroad to work because it is their choice not because they have no other options. Together, we’ll make the Philippines more conducive for tourism, for investment, at the same time creating more jobs for the economy and as you all may know I am fully committed to revitalizing our country’s agricultural industry,” said Marcos, alluding to his concurrent post as the Philippines’ Secretary of Agriculture.
