QUEZON CITY (PIA) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday, February 12, meets the Filipino community in Japan before ending his successful and productive state visit.
The President expresses his appreciation to the Filipinos in Japan for their hard work and continuous contribution to the Philippine economy. He mentions that the current administration values the work of OFWs, hence, the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Headed by Secretary Maria Susana "Toots" Vasquez Ople, DMW’s main function is to focus on Filipinos working overseas. The office was established to look after, support, and aid the needs of OFWs.
The President highlights the importance of OFW remittance to the recovering pandemic economy. He acknowledges the sacrifices of Filipinos abroad to keep the local economy afloat amidst the health crisis. He notes that with all the contributions of these workers, it is just right to provide them with the utmost assistance.
Aside from the help of the OFWs, Marcos says that one of the priority agendas of the administration is the creation of jobs.
He reports the continuous decline of the unemployment rate in the country, highlighting that the increase in the number of employed Filipinos is the first step towards the thriving and transformational economy after COVID-19 first hit the country.
In relation to this, the President also secured several investments during his Japan trip and is expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs as soon as these investments are pursued.
Marcos during the meet with the Filipino Community in Japan
Citing the Philippines’ 2022 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 7.6%, higher than the target GDP of the administration which is at 6.5%, President Marcos is optimistic about the future of the country’s local economy.
The Chief Executive shares his vision of providing better lives to Filipinos as the Philippines get back on track after years of being locked down.
Filipinos are the fourth-largest foreign community in Japan with an estimated population of 297,262 Filipinos based on the latest statistics published by Japan’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ) as of June 2022. (MVV, PIA-CPSD)
