Joint efforts between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Migrant Workers should open more pathways for Filipino workers abroad to build sustainable livelihoods, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said Monday.
Roque made the remarks during a flag-raising ceremony at the DMW headquarters in Mandaluyong City, which also marked the start of the National Women’s Month celebration. She emphasized that every dollar earned overseas should be channeled toward securing long-term stability for workers and their families.
“We want OFWs earning a wage to have the opportunity na magkaroon ng sariling negosyo at pamilyang maaasahan. The DTI built programs for us to work together with the DMW,” Roque said.
The push for expanded livelihood support reflects a broader government priority under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has directed agencies to deepen assistance and economic programs available to all overseas Filipino workers.
Roque also spoke about the personal toll of working abroad, noting that each remittance sent home represents a parent who chose distance from loved ones and set aside personal comfort to give their family a better life. She said such sacrifice makes it only fitting to honor OFWs as the country’s modern-day heroes.
