President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that their efforts will not go to waste as he acknowledged their contributions for raising the bar high in terms of quality services for which the Philippines is known around the world.
In his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community on Friday evening, President Marcos said that he is impressed and is proud of the “incredible determination and resilience” of the OFWs and the Filipino community who tremendously contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy.
“On behalf of the government of the Philippines, I convey my gratitude and express my admiration to each and every one of you. You served as an inspiration to us all. The knowledge and the skills that you have acquired; ‘yung inyong galing at sipag habang kayo’y nandito have proven to be invaluable assets to the Philippines,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos visited the Filipino community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of his attendance to the first ASEAN-GCC Summit from October 20 to 21 where he presented to the world leaders the investment opportunities in the Philippines.
The Philippines bagged $120 million investment agreement during President Marcos’ visit to Riyadh while some Arab business leaders have pledged $4.14 billion in investment commitment to the Philippines.
President Marcos shared his proud moment when world leaders expressed their appreciation for the quality services the OFWs are providing to their employers not only in the Middle East countries, but in other parts of the world that the President has visited.
“Kaya’t ang sasabihin ko sa inyo kapag nakakausap ko po ang mga leader po ng mga bansa … bago pa ako makapag-hello, makapag-bati lagi nilang sinasabi, ang galing-galing ng mga Pilipino dito sa amin, ang husay-husay ng mga Pilipino sa amin, ang babait, ang sisipag ng mga Pilipino rito,” President Marcos said.
“Kaya naman, talaga naman pagka naririning natin ang national anthem ay talagang nakakataba ng puso dahil sa inyo – pagpunta po namin dito, talaga naman ang nararamdaman po namin, proud to be a Pinoy. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” he added.
“Your efforts are not gone unnoticed. I look forward to your return. With your help the Philippine government’s reintegration program will continue moving forward towards brighter future for our country and for our people.”
The chief executive urged the OFWs to continue to share their experiences to the Filipino people and continue bringing technical expertise back to the Philippines. PND
