MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark Villar, who recently joined the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, commended President Marcos’ efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“The trip was very successful especially for our OFWs, President BBM was able to secure the commitment of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in paying for the unpaid salaries of our OFWs in Saudi,” Villar said.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will settle the unpaid salaries of around 10,000 OFWs who worked for Saudi construction companies which declared bankruptcy in 2015 and 2016.
“I commend the partnership between President Marcos and the leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this proves that our construction workers abroad are being taken care of by the government. Our construction workers in the Philippines and abroad will serve as the backbone of the Build Better More program of this administration and they deserve nothing less,” Villar added.
Aside from this, the Philippine delegation also announced that the first Philippine Overseas Labor Office will be established in Thailand.
“I am also grateful to President BBM for making sure that Thailand will have its first Philippine Overseas Labor Office, this will help protect the rights and welfare of our kababayans there,” Villar said.
The APEC trip brought home new partnerships and opportunities for the Filipino people while also proving that the current administration prioritizes the welfare of all OFWs.