Thank you, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for your introduction. [Please be seated.]
The members of the Cabinet who are here with us today; Chairperson of the Commission on Filipino Overseas Klink Ang – well, it says Dante Francis Ang but we all know him as Klink; Their Excellencies, the members of the Diplomatic Corps; the most important visitors that we have here today, the awardees of the 2024 Presidential Awards For Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas; my fellow workers in government; ladies and gentlemen; distinguished guests, good morning and welcome to Malacañan.
We continue to prove time and again that, whatever the tides of destiny, wherever they carry us, within or beyond our shores, there is always a compelling story of Filipino grit, passion, sacrifice, resilience, resourcefulness.
The Filipino’s competence, our work ethic, and genuine care for other people make us a truly remarkable race.
Whenever I meet world leaders, they always speak highly of Filipinos. And we are truly proud to be Filipino and to be recognized for our contributions not only to our own country, but to humanity.
I’m always delighted to hear inspiring stories from our kababayans and foreigners alike who are bridging cultures and fostering valuable relationships that benefit not just Filipinos, but also the members of their host countries.
Today, we recognize the 13 honorees of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.
Our awardees represent the very best of our people and bring immense pride to our country.
Your accomplishments span various fields and the noble works that you have done have enhanced the quality of life in your respective communities, both here and abroad.
So, on behalf of the entire nation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the 2024 awardees.
Our Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Pamana ng Pilipino, at Banaag awardees have ventured to foreign lands far away, faced challenges head-on, and triumphantly managed to excel in every endeavor that they have undertaken.
Your stories continue to inspire us to make a difference and to rise above whatever adversity we face. Salamat po sa [ipinamalas] ninyong kabayanihan at kakayahan na nagbigay karangalan sa ating bansa, sa ating mga kababayan at sa Republika ng Pilipinas.
To our Kaanib ng Bayan awardees—our foreign friends and partners who have likewise dedicated the same level of support, passion, and care towards the overseas Filipino communities, you have our greatest admiration and our greatest gratitude.
Thank you for showing compassion to Filipinos, especially in their times of needs. Maraming, maraming salamat po.
Our dream is to, one day, make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity. We continue to implement reforms in governance and economic development to provide our people with opportunities here at home.
However, we are in a globalized world, and talents will continue to move from one border to another. Annually, millions of people move across international borders to work.
And so, against this backdrop, the Philippines remains committed to ensuring that the rights and well-being of our overseas Filipinos and their families are safeguarded at all times, wherever they may be.
We are strengthening our labor agreements with other countries, conducting aggressive campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, mobilizing the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) na Nangangailangan
Fund, keeping our government communication lines open to migrant workers through the One Repatriation Command Center, and facilitating the safe repatriation of OFWs who are affected by conflicts or calamities.
Our embassies and consulates abroad remain vigilant in looking after our people wherever they may be in the world.
In the same breath, we maintain amity and cooperation with every nation-state that graciously welcomes and hosts Filipinos in their homelands.
To all our awardees and to all Filipinos abroad, continue to be of service to the Filipinos and the communities that you call home.
I call on the Filipino communities in all parts of the world: Let us emulate the spirited resolve of our awardees and strive to continue contributing to the overall progress of our local and global society.
Before I end, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a meaningful celebration and observance of the Overseas Filipino Month this December. I also wish you Happy Holidays and hope that you also take time to be with friends and family during this season.
And as you spend time with your loved ones, I invite you to revisit the beauty of our country, the richness of our culture, and the warmth of our people.
This invitation also extends, of course, to our Kaanib ng Bayan awardees. May you take time to visit the country, feel the festive spirit of the Filipino Christmas. It is – Filipino Christmases are unique and have to be seen to be believed.
Patuloy natin ipakita at ipagmalaki ang angking galing, talento, at pagsisikap ng mga Pilipino sa buong mundo.
Once again, my congratulations to all the awardees. Your awards are all well-deserved and we are grateful to you for the service that you have given our people.
Maraming salamat po!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinong nasa ibayong dagat!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!
Maraming salamat po at magandang umaga sa inyong lahat! [applause]
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