MANILA -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Tuesday, September 6, that he would seek to fully maximize the country’s trade and economic cooperation with Singapore during his state visit to attract investments, create more jobs, and speed up post-pandemic economic growth.

Speaking during a meeting with the Filipino community in Singapore, Marcos said the Southeast Asian country became the Philippines’ top investor last year, with Singaporean companies maintaining big-ticket projects in telecommunications, infrastructure, startup and innovation, renewable energy, and healthcare.

“That is why our economic team, ito po ang humaharap sa inyo ngayon, ay makikipagkita sa mga possible na investor na maglalagay ng negosyo sa Pilipinas. Hindi lamang ‘yun na patibayin ang trade ng Singapore at saka ng Pilipinas,” Marcos said.

“We proactively attract investments in our country in order to accelerate post-pandemic growth and create more jobs in the Philippines.”

The President expressed optimism that the country could overcome whatever roadblock, particularly the coronavirus pandemic, with its talented and hardworking people.

“Kaya’t there is no doubt in my mind that the Philippines can recover from the hardships caused by the pandemic. Hand in hand, sama-sama tayong babangon muli,” he said.

“We will rise above the challenges and we will fly to greater heights. Pilipino tayo and dapat nating ipagmalaki ang Pilipino dahil meron naman tayong sinabi, meron tayo kagaya ng sinasabi sa showbiz, meron tayong ‘K’.”

The administration, he said, is striving hard to provide quality services to Filipinos abroad and, at the same time, take care of their families in the Philippines through different government programs.

‘A fully operational DMW’

Next year, Marcos vowed to make the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) fully operational through the stewardship of Secretary Susan Ople.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ako, kasama ang aking gabinete, ang ating mga opisyal, ay puspusang magtatrabaho upang makamit ang inaasam-asam nating pag-asenso,” Marcos said, noting he expects active participation from OFWs.

There are over 200,000 Filipinos in Singapore working as household service workers, medical professionals, engineers, architects, bankers, entrepreneurs, teaching personnel, performers, lawyers, media practitioners, researchers, writers, as well as IT professionals.

Despite the current coronavirus pandemic, OFWs in Singapore continue to send remittances to their families in the Philippines.

Last year, Singapore was the second highest sender of OFW remittances, amounting to $2.2 billion. (PND)