President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded his successful working visit to Japan on Saturday, culminating in a significant gathering with the vibrant Filipino community at the Swissotel Osaka. The President delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the crucial role of Filipinos in fostering deeper ties between the Philippines and Japan and reinforcing the government’s unwavering commitment to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Addressing the Filipino-Japanese youth, President Marcos Jr. underscored their vital role in the dynamic and enduring relationship between the two nations. He encouraged them to continue contributing to the shared history, believing they are instrumental in building stronger connections, deeper friendships, and shared values for a mutually stable, secure, and prosperous future.
The President then turned his attention to the overseas Filipino workers and first-generation Filipinos who have made Japan their home. He passionately urged them to persist in their dedication to their motherland, emphasizing their critical contribution to achieving a more prosperous, stable, and peaceful Philippines.
President Marcos Jr. reiterated his administration’s ongoing initiatives to enhance services and welfare for OFWs. These programs include the establishment of dedicated OFW lounges in Manila’s airports, the proactive pursuit of Bilateral Labor Agreements with countries hosting Filipino workers, and robust support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to empower their families back home.
He profoundly acknowledged the immense sacrifice and unwavering strength of OFWs in supporting their families in the Philippines, asserting that they remain at the core of all government efforts. The President assured the community that the Administration would continuously strive to improve their lives, recognizing that they deserve not only the nation’s profound gratitude but also the full support of every Filipino.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, in a recent interview with RTVM, there are approximately 340,000 Filipinos currently working and residing in Japan. A significant portion of this community comprises permanent residents, many of whom have Japanese spouses and are raising bicultural families.
Filipino nurses and caregivers are highly sought after to bolster Japan’s healthcare system, alongside a diverse group of students, trainees, engineers, English teachers, and other skilled workers, including farmers, addressing Japan’s aging population needs.
The President’s engagement in Osaka reinforced the deep appreciation for the Filipino diaspora’s contributions and the steadfast commitment of the Philippine government to their welfare and the continued strengthening of Philippine-Japan relations.
