MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed optimism about the country’s development prospects because of its strong, young workforce.
“Sabi nila, ang gulo-gulo ng nangyari sa pandemic, nasira-sira ‘yung ating ekonomiya. ‘Bakit ikaw masyado kang optimist na sinasabi mo hindi, kaya natin magagawa natin, pagagandahin pa natin ‘yan?’” President Marcos said during a meeting with the Filipino community in Zurich, Switzerland, prior to his departure for Manila.
“At pagka tinanong sa akin kung bakit ganun ang pag-iisip ko, eh pinapaliwanag ko, madali lang naman sagutin ‘yan, sabi ko, mayroon akong workforce na ngayon ay 107 million na tayong mga Pilipino. ‘Yung 60 percent doon nagtatrabaho na at ang Pinoy ang pinakamagaling na trabahador sa buong mundo,” the chief executive explained.
Filipino workers are resilient, adaptable, and have the ability to excel in whatever field they choose, Marcos said.
“Kahit saan mo ilagay ang Pilipino, sisikat ‘yan. Kahit saan mo ilagay ang Pilipino, magiging successful ‘yan dahil lahat ng katangian na kinakailangan ng isang labor force na para maging matagumpay ang mga plano tungkol sa ekonomiya, tungkol sa sariling buhay, ay nasa Pilipino,” Marcos said as he pointed out that the Filipino workforce is his greatest asset.
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide have kept the Philippine economy afloat even during uncertainties, as they send billions of dollars in remittances to the Philippines annually.
Filipinos in Switzerland alone remitted some USD 73.242 million from January to September 2022, based on data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Switzerland is host to around 14,000 Filipinos, including those who hold dual citizenship.
The President was in Davos, Switzerland to attend the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) to showcase the country’s economic successes and entice investors to invest in the Philippines.
Several multinational companies and investment firms have shown interest in putting their money in the country as a result of the President’s Davos engagements. (PCO)
