The Manila City government strengthened its commitment to supporting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families through partnerships with national government agencies.
Speaking during a gathering at the San Andres Sports Complex, Mayor Isko Moreno reassured returning OFWs that they have partners in government ready to assist them as they rebuild their lives in the country.
“Mga kababayang OFW, lalo na po sa mga umuuwi at nagsisimulang muli—hindi kayo nag-iisa,” Moreno said.
The mayor said the city government joined forces with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide opportunities and services the OFWs.
“Ngayong araw sa San Andres Sports Complex, nakasama po natin ang ating mga katuwang mula sa DMW, DOLE, TESDA at OWWA upang patibayin ang ating partnership para sa OFW reintegration, employment, livelihood, at kampanya laban sa illegal recruitment at human trafficking,” he said.
Moreno also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by millions of OFWs whose remittances continue to contribute significantly to the Philippine economy.
“Hindi biro ang sakripisyo ng ating mga OFW. Bilyun-bilyong dolyar ang naiuuwi at naiaambag ninyo sa ating ekonomiya kaya nararapat lamang na pag-uwi ninyo, may maayos na serbisyong naghihintay sa inyo,” he said.
“Kami po sa Maynila, tulay lamang. Tulay upang mas mailapit at maibaba sa bawat OFW at kanilang pamilya ang mga programa at serbisyo ng ating pamahalaan,” Moreno said.
The mayor expressed his gratitude to OFWs and reaffirming the local government’s commitment to supporting them as they begin a new chapter at home.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo, mga OFW. Kayo ay bayani, at patuloy namin kayong bibigyang-halaga at aalalayan sa inyong pagbabalik at panibagong pagsisimula,” he said.