MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, saying he expects his efforts to bear fruit in the months ahead.

Addressing the Filipino community in Zurich Friday prior to his departure for the Philippines, President Marcos said: “Lahat naman ng ating nakakausap ay nakikinig at sinasabi naman, 'optimistic naman kami,' na sa lahat ng ating kinausap, sa ating sinubukang kumbinsihin, magpaliwanag, ay maganda naman ang naging pagtanggap sa mensahe na dala namin ng Philippine delegation dito sa World Economic Forum sa Davos.”

“Sa dalawang araw na nandito kami, marami naman talaga kaming nakausap, marami kaming nasimulan. Lahat naman ito ay simula lamang. Ngunit kailangan buksan ang tinatawag nga na lines of communication. Kaya’t siguro we can say that we are satisfied that we were able to do, most if not all, of the things that we wanted to do while we were here in Davos," the President said.

Marcos told Filipinos that his mission in Switzerland is to show the world what is happening in the Philippines so it could have more partners as his government embarks on an aggressive economic development initiative.

According to the President, he received positive responses every time he invited people to come to the Philippines for a tour or a business trip. 

“Lahat naman ay nakikinig dahil sinasabi, 'mga Pilipino, kilala ko --- marami akong kilalang Pilipino, mga okay ‘yan dapat nating tulungan,'” said the chief executive.

At the same time, Marcos recognized the sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) while they work abroad, saying they have kept the Philippine economy afloat, particularly during trying times.

President Marcos assured OFWs in Switzerland that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), headed by Secretary Susan Ople, would look after their needs and protect their interest.

“Itong department na ito ay walang gagawin kung hindi intindihin ang kalagayan ng ating mga OFW na alam kong nagsisikap at kung minsan ay nangangailangan ng tulong, kaya’t nandiyan na ngayon,” Marcos said.

“Ngayon ay nandiyan na ang Department of Migrant Workers... lahat ng mga issue ng mga OFWs, ay ibibigay natin sa ilalim ng ating Secretary, Secretary Toots Ople," the President said. (PND)