Palace concert honors OFWs amid political tensions

The Philippine government, through the Department of Migrant Workers, honored Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with a special concert titled "Konsyerto sa Palasyo" at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang on Sunday night.

The event aimed to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of OFWs to the country's economic development and to showcase their achievements.

In a video message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the OFWs, calling them "modern-day heroes" whose sacrifices fuel the nation's future, though he was unable to attend in person as he was in Vatican City for the funeral of Pope Francis.

He vowed to protect and care for OFWs and their families, stating that the government is always there to promote their welfare.

The themed event "Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Para sa Ating Mga OFWs" gathered OFWs and their families, with thousands more tuning in from overseas through coordinated watch parties.

The concert also served to promote emerging artists and highlight nation-building efforts.

The fourth installment of the "Konsyerto sa Palasyo" series featured performances by Rap Cañedo, Marielle Montellano, Chito Ricafrenz, Winchester Lopez, musicians from the KSP Band, Primedance Manila, and former The CompanY singer Reuben Laurente.

The concert comes amidst political spotlight on the migrant worker sector due to a rift between the Marcoses and the Dutertes, and a planned "zero remittance week" by some Filipino workers in Croatia in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte.