Strengthening Ties and Ensuring Welfare
In an effort to strengthen the bond between the Philippines and Malaysia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Kuala Lumpur and pledged to safeguard the rights and welfare of the nearly one million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) residing in the country.
During a gathering with the Filipino community on Tuesday, he emphasized the significance of their contributions and the need to ensure they are well-taken care of, have access to good livelihoods, and are provided with ample opportunities.
Acknowledging the Vital Role of OFWs
President Marcos acknowledged the pivotal role played by overseas Filipino workers in fostering positive relations with other countries and upholding the Philippines’ reputation abroad.
He expressed gratitude for the commendable performance and dedication of OFWs, attributing the continuous improvement of the country’s reputation to their hard work and commitment.
Be it in Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe, America, or anywhere else across the globe, the President recognized the impact of their efforts on enhancing the Philippines’ image internationally.
Assurances and Commitment
Ensuring the welfare and interests of overseas Filipinos is a top priority for President Marcos’s administration. He reassured the Filipino community in Malaysia that his government would address their concerns and protect their rights.
Highlighting the substantial remittances from OFWs, he also acknowledged their significant role in contributing to the economic growth of both the host countries and the Philippines.
Focused Plans for the Future
President Marcos emphasized the administration’s dedication to implementing key plans to further the country’s progress. This includes attracting foreign investments, controlling inflation, and enhancing agricultural productivity to ensure food security.
He stressed the importance of large-scale investments and conveyed his message to potential investors worldwide, assuring them of the Philippines’ stable and welcoming environment for investment.
State Visit Agenda
During his state visit to Malaysia, President Marcos engaged in several significant activities to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues of cooperation.
Meeting with Malaysian Royalty and Leaders
President Marcos had a royal audience with King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, signifying the cordial relations between the two nations. He also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss potential areas of synergy and promote people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Malaysia.
Advancing Agriculture, Tourism, and Digital Economy
One of the primary objectives of President Marcos’s visit was to advance cooperation in key sectors. He emphasized the potential for growth in agriculture, tourism, and digital economic collaboration between the two countries, envisioning mutual benefits from such partnerships.
Engaging with the Business Community
During his visit, President Marcos also actively engaged with members of the Malaysian business community, fostering meaningful connections to promote lucrative trade and investment opportunities between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.
In conclusion, President Marcos Jr.’s visit to Malaysia has reinforced the importance of strong ties between the Philippines and Malaysia. His commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers and promoting bilateral cooperation in various sectors bodes well for the future of both nations.
As he returns home, the hope is that his visit will serve as a stepping stone for even more fruitful relations between the two countries in the years to come.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
