President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used a community meeting in Abu Dhabi to outline the government’s ongoing efforts to address problems that undermine national development, telling Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates that reforms and interventions are being actively pursued.
Speaking to members of the Filipino community during his two-day working visit, Marcos said the administration is examining priority concerns and crafting responses intended to strengthen the country. “Nais ko pong iparating sa inyo na ang inyong gobyerno ay patuloy na nagsisikap na pabutihin ang kalagayan ng ating bansa. Isa-isa nating tinitignan at inaaral ang mga isyu na dapat ng agarang aksyon at solusyon,” he said.
He added that the process involves close review and planning to determine appropriate measures. “Ating hinihimay ang mga suliranin na nagpapahina sa ating bansa at pinag-iisipan, pinag-aaralan, at pinagpaplanuhan nang mabuti para mabigyan ng karampatang interbensyon at solusyon,” Marcos said.
During the gathering, the President also acknowledged overseas Filipino workers for the way they represent the Philippines abroad, citing their professionalism and credibility. Around one million Filipinos live and work in the UAE, making them the country’s fourth-largest expatriate community, with roles spanning skilled trades, professional services, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.
Earlier on Tuesday, Marcos and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the Philippines’ first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern nation.
