President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening protections, modernizing services and expanding government support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), saying that every OFW should be treated as a hero.
In his remarks during the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards in Malacañang, Marcos said OFWs remain “the strength and light” of the country, noting that their sacrifices abroad sustain families and uplift communities at home.
“Kaya bilang suporta, asahan ninyo na nandito lang ang inyong pamahalaan (So in support, you can expect that your government is always here for you),” he said.
He added that the government is working to ensure every OFW will be treated as a hero.
“Through the Department of Migrant Workers, we shall continue to elevate protection, streamline services, and ensure that every OFW is treated as the hero that they are,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos highlighted the government’s continuing digital transformation for OFW processes, including the OFW Travel Pass on the eGovPH App and the Online Employment Contract Verification System.
He said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has issued roughly 300,000 electronic cards that provide OFWs with easier access to services and benefits, while health programs such as the OFW Hospital and OWWA Botika remain a priority.
The President also cited the AKSYON Fund, which gives emergency legal, medical and financial support, and the establishment of OFW Lounges at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to ensure “comfort and dignity for every OFW traveler.”
Marcos likewise vowed sustained efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen reintegration programs, including start-up capital, financial literacy and livelihood support for returning OFWs.
“Lahat ng ito ay upang masiguro na hindi masasayang ang inyong pinaghirapan at maging matagumpay ang inyong pag-uwi (All of these are to ensure that your hard work does not go to waste and that your homecoming becomes a success),” he said.
The Bagong Bayani Awards, established in 1983 through Letter of Instruction 1320 issued by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., honor exemplary OFWs who demonstrate heroism, integrity, compassion and professional excellence.
This year’s awardees include Filipino workers recognized for outstanding employment, community service, culture and arts, successful reintegration and heroic acts, including a Filipino ship crew who rescued 52 migrants off Crete, Greece, and a caregiver who risked her life to protect her employer during the 2023 attacks in southern Israel. (PNA)