CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday lauded the heroism of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which coincided with the 125th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal.

The Chief Executive urged everyone to emulate the heroism and courage of Dr. Jose Rizal through his service to the country with dedication and integrity.

Apart from the 2022 National Budget, President Duterte also signed the Department of Migrant Workers Act.

Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go had earlier said that the creation and establishment of the said department is one of the priorities of President Duterte.

It can be recalled that the Chief Executive certified such a proposal as urgent in March.

With the signing of the Department of Migrant Workers Act, an estimated 2.2 million Filipinos working abroad are expected to benefit based on the 2019 Survey on Overseas Filipinos released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2020.

With the establishment of the department, President Duterte once again recognized the heroism of the considered ‘modern day heroes’, the OFWs.

Malacañang first announced that much has changed during President Duterte's short tenure.

Despite the successes and challenges, however, the Palace said the administration is grateful because the trust, support and love of the Filipinos for the Chief Executive remains. (PIA-NCR)