President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to strengthen protections, streamline services, and recognize every overseas Filipino worker (OFW) as a hero, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the welfare of Filipinos abroad.
In his speech at the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards in Malacañang on Thursday, November 20, President Marcos honored OFWs, describing them as “the strength and light of the Philippines.”
“Because we know it’s no joke to live in a foreign country, to adjust with a different race, and to be separated from your family, but you still continue to make sacrifices for your loved ones. Therefore, you can count on your government for support,” he said.
President Marcos also highlighted digital initiatives to assist OFWs, including the OFW Travel Pass on the eGovPH App and the Online Employment Contract Verification System.
He also noted programs supporting OFW health, such as the OFW Hospital, OWWA Botika, and expanded medical services, along with the AKSYON Fund, which offers legal, medical, and financial aid.
“All of this is to ensure that your hard work will not be wasted and that your return home will be successful,” the president said.
In 1983, the late president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Letter of Instruction No. 1320, establishing the Bagong Bayani Awards to honor OFWs’ strength, excellence, and heart.
Award categories include Outstanding Employee Award, Community and Social Service Award, Culture and the Arts Award, Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award, and Blas F. Ople Award Para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani.
This year, new categories are introduced, such as the Heroic Act Award, Successful Reintegration Award, and Susan ‘Toots’ V. Ople Award.
