MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Saturday expressed commitment to improving the welfare and addressing the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, President Marcos took note of the Filipino diaspora that flourishes in every part of the world.

“Most people don’t find great opportunity. But that’s what happened, and we go where the work is,” President Marcos told PM Ardern.

“The diaspora has really become a significant part of our culture,” the chief executive added.

Both leaders expressed readiness to empower Filipino migrant workers and enhance the capacity to respond to their needs.

Marcos and Ardern are in Bangkok for the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), which is hosted by Thailand.

In his attendance at the APEC, the Philippine leader addressed economic leaders about the need to improve climate change adaptation efforts and ensure food and energy security in the region.

The Asia-Pacific region hosts the largest segments of OFWs, with the Philippine regional trade accounting for 85 percent, providing Filipino consumers access to goods and services from the region. (PND)