President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and protection of Filipinos living and working in Japan, calling the Filipino community there a vital pillar in the deepening ties between the two nations.
Speaking at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo at the start of his four-day State Visit to Japan, President Marcos thanked Overseas Filipinos for their significant contributions across sectors, including manufacturing, education, healthcare, hospitality, services, and construction. He noted the Filipino community — estimated at some 350,000 residents in Japan — as central to the Philippines–Japan relationship.
“Bago pa man kami makipagpulong sa mga pinuno ng Japan, minarapat naming unahin ang pakikipagkita sa inyo, sapagkat kayo ang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan. Kayo ang nagbibigay ng buhay sa ugnayang ito,” the President said.
Protecting rights and welfare of OFWs President Marcos underscored that his administration is working continuously to safeguard the rights, welfare, and safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing support and protection to Filipinos abroad as they pursue livelihoods in a foreign land.
“Napakahalaga po para sa amin na maipabatid sa inyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay walang tigil at walang sawang nagsisikap upang mapangalagaan ang inyong mga karapatan, kapakanan, at kaligtasan habang kayo ay naghahanapbuhay sa ibayong dagat,” he added.
Addressing younger Filipinos in Japan, the President encouraged them to seize opportunities while maintaining pride in their Filipino identity. “Integration does not mean assimilation. It does not mean forgetting your roots and abandoning who you are. Our greatest asset is our unique identity,” he said, describing the youth as “torch bearers” for the next 70 years of Philippine–Japan relations.
He also paid tribute to older members of the community whose hard work paved the way for younger generations.
President Marcos addressed the economic impact of the recent conflict in the Middle East, noting its contribution to higher oil prices and rising costs of basic commodities. He outlined the government’s response — including the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency and the rollout of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program — aimed at stabilizing fuel supply, preventing hoarding, and protecting vulnerable sectors.
“These developments underscore that energy and economic challenges transcend borders; international cooperation is essential,” the President said, noting continued close coordination with Japan to strengthen economic resilience and ease burdens on their peoples.
Undertaken at the invitation of the Japanese government, President Marcos’ State Visit seeks to further deepen bilateral cooperation across labor protection, trade and commerce, defense and regional security, and people-to-people exchanges. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
“The theme, ‘Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,’ reflects our shared aspirations for a stronger and more prosperous future,” President Marcos said.
