Marcos honors OFWs for global contributions during SONA

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their significant role in promoting the Philippines during his 4th State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Marcos praised OFWs for showcasing the talent, kindness, and heart of Filipinos around the world while acknowledging the dangers they face, such as the recent rescue of seafarers from a cargo vessel that sank in the Red Sea due to an attack by Houthi rebels.

The president emphasized that the Philippines is respected globally for its proper, fair, and calm dealings with other countries and adherence to international agreements.

As of 2023, the number of OFWs reached 2.16 million, a 9.8 percent increase from 1.96 million in 2022, highlighting their growing importance to the country's economy.

Cash remittances from overseas Filipinos rose by 4% to USD2.66 billion in April compared to USD2.56 billion in the same period last year, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.