President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. framed overseas Filipinos as one of the country’s strongest global representations as he spoke before hundreds of members of the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi, describing their conduct and output abroad as a reflection of the nation itself.
Addressing about 700 Filipinos at the InterContinental Hotel, the President said the presence of Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates has long been intertwined with the country’s growth, noting that their role dates back to the early years following the UAE’s formation in 1971. He pointed to their professional standards, community conduct, and economic contributions as reasons Filipinos continue to earn trust across cultures.
“Kayo po ang nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng inyong kontribusyon sa United Arab Emirates, sa magandang ehemplo na inyong ipinakita sa inyong trabaho, sa inyong mga kapwa Pilipino, sa pamahalaan ng UAE, sa iba’t ibang mga lahi na naninirahan dito, at sa kontribusyon ng inyong ibinigay sa ekonomiya sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” Marcos said, adding that the UAE now hosts one of the largest Filipino populations in the Middle East.
Beyond the UAE, the President said Filipino workers worldwide are recognized for perseverance and reliability, attributes that have helped build goodwill not only with employers but also with governments and community leaders in host countries.
He reiterated that the Philippine government continues to prioritize the protection of overseas Filipinos, citing ongoing efforts to widen access to employment, improve support systems, and strengthen economic cooperation with host nations.
“We envision a future where every Filipino, at home or abroad, has a chance to succeed,” Marcos said, as he pointed to trade and investment initiatives with the UAE designed to open more opportunities for Filipino workers and entrepreneurs.
Marcos also urged Filipinos to continue upgrading their skills and supporting one another, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning and collective responsibility within overseas communities.
His remarks came during a two-day working visit to the UAE, which included the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as a separate memorandum on defense cooperation. Marcos described both agreements as key pillars for expanding trade links and reinforcing bilateral security cooperation.
Senior Philippine officials joined the President at the gathering, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver.
Earlier in the day, government agencies mounted an OFW Serbisyo Caravan at the hotel’s Al Bateen Room, where 694 overseas Filipinos completed 2,387 transactions covering consular services, labor documentation, social security, health support, and other government requirements. According to the Department of Migrant Workers, 117 cancer patients also received financial assistance during the activity.
