PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring and promoting the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by pushing for stronger labor agreements with other countries and conducting aggressive campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, among others.
During the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) in Malacanang, the President recognized the 13 awardees and their contributions to bringing pride to the Philippines and the Filipinos.
“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,” Marcos said as he reiterated his dream to make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity for Filipinos.
He said that as millions of Filipinos move across international borders to work, the government ensures that the rights of the OFWs and the well-being of our overseas Filipinos and their families are safeguarded at all times.
“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,” he added.
The President also recognized the accomplishments and contributions of the 13 awardees, saying they represent the very best of Filipinos and bring immense pride to the country.
“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,” he said as he recognized their accomplishments and work in various fields that helped enhance the quality of life in their respective communities, both in the country and abroad.
Marcos also acknowledged the Kaanib ng Bayan awardees composed of “foreign friends and partners” who have dedicated the same level of support, passion, and care towards the overseas Filipino communities, especially in their times of need.
The awardees include Leo-Felix Jurado, Emilio Quines Jr., the Philippine Nurses Association of New York Inc., and the Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation Inc., who received the PAFIOO Lingkod sa Kapwa Filipino award; Larry Caruma, Jane Gerardo-Abaya, Roberto Eusebio Lavides and Melvin Sanicas who received the PAFIOO Pamana ng Pilipino award; Elvy Barroso, Zita Cabais, and Elvira Dela Cruz who received the PAFIOO Banaag award; and Bader Ahmed Zafeen and Victor Gaina, who received the PAFIOO Kaanib ng Bayan award.
The President urged Filipinos to emulate the “spirited resolve” of the awardees and strive to continue contributing to the overall progress of the local and global society.
The PAFIOO is a biennial award system that recognizes outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign individuals and organizations for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions.
From 1991 to 2022, 540 individuals and organizations from 53 countries and territories have been recognized and awarded.
