President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday evening vowed to strengthen protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and deepen the Philippines’ ties with Cambodia during a meeting with the Filipino community ahead of his state visit.
Speaking before hundreds of Filipinos at a gathering in Phnom Penh, President Marcos announced that the Department of Migrant Workers will soon open a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in the Cambodian capital to provide direct assistance to overseas workers.
“This will be done at the soonest possible time to complement the work of our embassy in promoting your welfare and defending your rights,” he said.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and members of his Cabinet, underscored the role of Filipinos abroad in shaping the country’s image.
He praised overseas workers for their integrity, generosity, and contributions to both the Philippines and their host nations.
“The world has a very good view of the Philippines because of you, who bring honor to being Filipino,” President Marcos told the audience.
The president is in Cambodia for a state visit at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, following Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official trip to Manila in February.
The visit is expected to yield new agreements on education, air connectivity, and combating transnational crime, adding to earlier deals on finance, trade, agriculture, cultural property, tourism, and information technology.
He also stressed that strengthening cooperation with Cambodia will help expand economic opportunities for both countries and encourage Cambodian businesses to invest in the Philippines.
“Expect that we will always strive to uplift the lives of every Filipino so that a stable, prosperous, and peaceful New Philippines will greet you upon your return,” Mr. Marcos said.
