President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to create more work and livelihood opportunities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning to the country.
The President made the promise in recognition of the contribution of OFWs to the country and their sacrifices for their families.
“Let me assure you that in return, we, in government, will continue to ensure that your efforts to uplift the lives of your families shall not be put in vain,” Duterte said during the 2019 Model OFW Family of the Year (MOFYA) event.
“The government’s ultimate goal [for OFWs) is to [provide] them with sustainable work and livelihood opportunities in our country. So someday, somehow, this will remain as one of the top priorities of my government,” Duterte added.
The awarding ceremony was held in Malacanang last Thursday. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) spearheaded the awarding event.
The outstanding achievements were given to engineer Alvin Tan and family (Entrepreneurship), and engineer Wilfredo Quindoy and family (Community Project).
Josephine Jasa and family (land-based category), and Captain Angel Abesamis and family (sea-based category were declared as winners.
“The annual search is a showcase of the best practices on how to nurture OFW family despite the distance and challenges, on how their success resonates with the rest of society,” Duterte in a speech.
There are about 2.3 million OFWs as of 2018.
