Marcos: PH pushing campaigns vs. illegal recruitment

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. vowed that the Philippine government remains committed in ensuring the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers as well as their families.

Marcos renewed this commitment at the awarding ceremony of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organization Overseas on Wednesday. He cited the efforts of his administration to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs.

''We are strengthening our labor agreements with other countries, conducting aggressive campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, mobilizing the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) na Nangangailangan Fund, keeping our government communication lines open to migrant workers through the One Repatriation Command Center, and facilitating the safe repatriation of OFWs who are affected by conflicts or calamities,'' Marcos said in his speech.

The Chief Executive guaranteed that the embassies and consulates abroad remain vigilant in looking after Filipinos across the globe.

''In the same breath, we maintain amity and cooperation with every nation-state that graciously welcomes and hosts Filipinos in their homelands,'' Marcos said.

During the ceremony, Marcos acknowledged and lauded the awardees who represent the ''very best of our people and bring immense pride to our country.''

''Your accomplishments span various fields and the noble works that you have done have enhanced the quality of life in your respective communities, both here and abroad,'' Marcos said.

The Presidential Communications Office said that the PAFIOO is a biennial award system that recognizes outstanding overseas Filipinos, as well as foreign individuals and organizations, for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions.

These contributions include advancing the welfare of overseas Filipinos, supporting national development efforts, as well as raising the international profile of the Filipino diaspora. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News