Malacañang is "open to listen to your problems", President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Jr. told overseas Filipino workers during a gift-giving program in the Palace on Friday.

"The Palace is very open to you — not only the Palace grounds, but it is open to listen and understand the problems you are facing now," he said in his welcome remarks during the "Pamaskong Handong Para sa Pamilyang OFW" program.

The President lauded OFWs as "modern-day heroes" and promised  to protect not only their welfare and interests but their families as well.

"OFWs and their families are close to me. That's why in our administration, we are strengthening the Department of Migrant Workers so that the service and care for our modern-day heroes will be faster," Marcos said.

"The role you are playing is very important to improve our economy and raise the standard of living of your family and fellow Filipinos," he added.

The event coincided with the first anniversary of the creation of Republic Act No. 11641, the law creating the Department of Migrant Workers.

Around 250 OFWs took part in the event with their children, some of whom performed for the President and the First Family.

They received gifts from the Office of the President, including a pack of five kilograms of rice.

Some OFWs also gave gifts to the President such as paintings and greeting cards.