President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the significant contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during his third State of the Nation Address while highlighting the administration’s projects for the modern-day heroes.
Marcos commended the economic contributions of OFWs as they hit all-time high remittances in 2023, reaching USD37 billion, citing data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
“Sadyang napakalaking tulong nito sa ating bumabangon na ekonomiya. Kaya hindi lamang pasasalamat kundi parangal ang ating ipinapaabot sa lahat ng ating mga OFW,” Marcos said.
The President also mentioned the government’s recent projects aimed at giving comfort to OFWs, including the launching of the Seafarer’s Hub in Manila and the OFW Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“Karagdagang mga espesyal na pasilidad at serbisyo ang ating binuksan para sa kanila, tulad ng OFW Lounge sa NAIA at Seafarer’s Hub sa Maynila,” he said.
This year, the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration launched two OFW Lounge at NAIA. The first lounge was opened in January at Terminal 1, while the second was opened in July at Terminal 3.
Related story: 2nd OFW lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 launched
For sea-based OFWs, the Seafarer’s Hub was opened in Manila, where seafarers can wait comfortably while processing their documents.
He added that the government is committed to safeguarding the welfare of seafarers. This comes after the United Nations Human Rights Council adopts a resolution on human rights of seafarers initiated by the Philippines, seeking to protect their rights and working conditions.
Related story: OWWA: Seafarer’s Hub in Manila now open
Marcos also assured the public that OFWs in conflict zones, such as Israel, Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and Yemen, are being repatriated and given assistance.
Assistance were also being extended to OFWs affected by calamities, as well as those returning in the Philippines, he added.
“Ang nagbabalik-bayang mga OFW, kasama ang kanilang pamilya, ay sinusuportahan nating mabuti upang maging maayos ang kanilang bagong simula dito sa bansa — para makakuha ng magandang trabaho o di-kaya’y makapagtayo ng negosyo,” Marcos said.
Former OFWs in Saudi who were displaced as their company faced bankruptcy are also starting to receive their payout, he added.
“Kaugnay sa aking naiulat noong isang taon, sinimulan na ng Saudi Arabia ang pamimigay ng cheke sa ating mga trabahanteng nawalan ng trabaho doon,” Marcos said.
The DMW earlier said that the unpaid salaries and benefits are expected to be released in the coming months, as checks amounting to 130 million Saudi Riyal or P1.95 billion have been prepared as payments for the 2,500 OFW claimants after closely working with the Saudi government.
Related story: Unpaid Saudi OFWs can expect more payout soon, DMW says
