President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday honored overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their exemplary contribution to national development.

The President also lauded the OFWs for putting the Philippines on the radar for its pool of talented and skilled workforce.

Speaking during the Pamaskong Handog Para sa Overseas Filipino Worker Family event in Malacañang, the President said the courage of OFWs has been an example to other Filipinos, adding their dedication to uplift the condition of their families deserves recognition.

“Kayo ang naging katunayan na kayang-kayang makipagsabayan ng mga Pilipino sa talento, sa talino, at sa husay ng mga pinaka-magagaling sa buongmundo,” President Marcos said.

“Higit pa riyan, ang tulong na inyong ibinabalik sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapadala ng mga remittances ay talaga naman ay hindi mapapantayan.”

Among those who received certificates of recognition under ‘We Give the World our Best Campaign’ were Christopher Montero, an engineer in Dubai; Johnna Moncal, a Household Service Worker in Hong Kong; Jasmin Labarda, Ship Captain / Seafarer; and Charm Espinoza, a caregiver in the United Kingdom.

Distributed during the event were PhP10,000 in cash assistance through the Livelihood Program for OFW, and grocery packs for 500 beneficiaries provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Five beneficiaries also received Notices of Award (NOA) for housing units under the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program. |PND