President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to start programs that will make working overseas an option rather than a necessity.

Speaking at the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) in Malacañang, Marcos acknowledged that millions of Filipinos are migrating internationally for better work opportunities.

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“Our dream is to, one day, make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity,” the president said.

“We continue to implement reforms in governance and economic development to provide our people with opportunities here at home,” he added.

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Marcos then mentioned current government initiatives that safeguard the rights of overseas Filipino workers and their families, such as strengthening labor agreements with foreign countries, campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, and mobilizing the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan Fund.

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“Our embassies and consulates abroad remain vigilant in looking after our people wherever they may be in the world,” he said.

During the ceremony, Marcos awarded 13 honorees of the 2024 PAFIOO for bringing pride to the Philippines and Filipinos overseas.

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Their contributions include improving the lives of overseas Filipinos, aiding national development, and promoting the Filipino community worldwide.

Below is the list of the awardees:

Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino awardees

Leo-Felix Jurado, United States of America/Lasam, Cagayan Emilio Quines Jr., USA/Tagudin, Ilocos Sur Philippine Nurses Association of New York (PNANY), USA The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation Inc, USA

Pamana ng Pilipino awardees

Larry Caramba, Saudi Arabia/Victorias/Negros Occidental Jane Gerardo-Abaya, Austria/Kalibo, Aklan Roberto Eusebio Lavides, Canada/Gumaca, Quezon Melvin Sanicas, Switzerland/Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Banaag awardees

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Elvy Barroso, USA/Ligao City, Albay Zita Cabais, France/Bani, Pangasinan Elvira dela Cruz, Morocco/Pozorrubio, Pangasinan

Kaanib ng Bayanotso

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