First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos attended the Go Negosyo summit and its 17th anniversary held at the SM Mall of Asia’s music hall on Saturday on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s behalf.
Mr. Marcos noted in his prepared speech the importance of thecontribution of migrant workers and their role in reviving the pandemic-hit economy.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual read the President’s message on his behalf, which described overseas Filipino workers (OFW) as modern-day heroes.
The First Lady then announced that the “Kabayan” awardees will be given P200,000 each, courtesy of the Office of the President.
She lauded the winners of the Kabayan Awards, which recognized nine “most inspiring OFWs” who have “compelling journeys” as migrant workers, according to a statement from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (GoNegosyo).
Mr. Marcos urged all OFWs to consider opening small businesses to “generate additional income to support their needs.”
“It is my hope that you will join the summit with an open mind, allowing yourselves to widen your options for income-generation and explore opportunities in the Philippines as an alternative for employment,” his speech read.
“In today’s activities, we aim to make entrepreneurship as an avenue where we can help OFWs and their families,” the President said.
“We hope that through entrepreneurship, our OFWs will now have the option to come back home with the ultimate goal of making working abroad a choice rather than a necessity,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We will continue to pursue initiatives that will ensure your well-being and develop anew the skills that the global workforce requires. At the same time, we will open more and better opportunities for you at home so that you can help us in writing a new and vibrant chapter for our great nation.” he added.
The President also noted how OFWs helped the country’s economy in times of crises.
“Your contributions to the Philippine economy and labor force, in general, are crucial elements to our trajectory toward lasting prosperity. In our country’s most trying times, you remained as a solid foundation of our economy, ensuring the generation of remittances to support your loved ones and keep our country afloat. For all this, I thank you.”