President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised the Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and all overseas Filipino workers worldwide, calling them the best example of what it means to be Filipino in the eyes of other nations.

“Every time I travel and we have a little gathering for what we call a visit to the Filipino community, we are all very happy to see you all,” he said.

“Because you bring honor to our country — through your contributions to the United Arab Emirates, the good example you set in your work, to your fellow Filipinos, to the different races living here, and for the contributions you make to the economy of our beloved Philippines,” he said.

Marcos attributed the signing here of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to the OFWs.

“That was the result of your excellent work and your raising the reputation of Filipinos here in the UAE, including all OFWs throughout the world,” he said.

He also shared stories of world leaders he has met highlighting the contributions and hard work of Filipinos abroad.

“I haven’t even said hello yet they will immediately say to me, you know, the Filipinos who are with us are the ones we like the most because they are very hardworking, very kind, and help even when they are not at work,” the President said.

“Our countrymen started as engineers, architects, they helped put in new roads, bridges, big construction projects,” he said.

“And that’s why our government values the vital role of overseas Filipinos in nation-building. So we do everything we can to ensure that the condition of our OFWs is good,” he added.

Marcos assured the government will provide OFWs with the benefits, support, and assistance they need.

“We envision a future where every Filipino at home or abroad has a chance to succeed. Because once we deepen our trade and investment partnership with, for example, the UAE, we are laying the groundwork for employment opportunities in more varied sectors and for wider market access for Filipino businesses,” he said.

“Every achievement that you earn, whether through your profession or entrepreneurial ventures, makes us stronger, not only for yourselves, but also for the collective progress of the Philippines,” he said.