President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored the vital contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to national development, assuring them that his administration remains committed to easing their burdens and strengthening programs that safeguard their welfare.
Speaking at the awarding ceremony of the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards held in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos expressed deep gratitude to migrant workers for embodying Filipino compassion and excellence across the globe—qualities that continue to earn admiration from the international community.
“Ngayong araw, magbibigay pugay tayo sa ating mga bagong bayani. Kinikilala ng Bagong Bayani Awards ang kakayahan, karangalan, at kabutihang loob ng mga Pilipino na sa kabila ng pang-iibang bansa, ay nagagawang ipakita ang tunay na pagka-Pilipino,” President Marcos said.
“Tuwing may kausap akong taga-ibang bansa, parating sinasabi sa akin ang husay ng mga Pilipino na nandoon sa amin. Kaya, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa pagbibigay karangalan sa ating bayan,” he added.
The President reaffirmed the government’s full support for OFWs.
“Through the Department of Migrant Workers, we shall continue to elevate protection, streamline services, and ensure that every OFW is treated as the hero that they are,” the Chief Executive emphasized.
The Bagong Bayani Awards, established in 1983 through Letter of Instruction No. 1320 issued by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., recognizes OFWs who demonstrate professionalism, excellence, and dedication in their work.
President Marcos also paid tribute to the sacrifices of migrant workers and vowed continued efforts to uplift their lives.
“Hindi biro ang manirahan sa ibang bansa, makisama sa ibang lahi, at mawalay sa pamilya, ngunit patuloy pa rin ang inyong mga sakripisyo para sa inyong mga minamahal sa buhay. Kaya bilang suporta, asahan ninyo na nandito lang ang inyong pamahalaan,” he said.
Government initiatives currently underway include the digitalization of overseas employment processes—such as the OFW Travel Pass via the eGovPH App and the Online Employment Contract Verification System; the issuance of nearly 300,000 OWWA electronic cards for easier access to services; and enhanced medical services through the OFW Hospital and OWWA Botika.
Under the AKSYON Fund, DMW migrant worker offices and regional centers provide legal, medical, and financial assistance. The government has likewise opened an OFW Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, offering comfort to traveling OFWs.
To protect migrant workers, the government continues to intensify efforts against human trafficking. The DMW is also bolstering reintegration programs for returning OFWs by offering start-up capital, financial literacy training, and livelihood support.
“Lahat ng ito ay upang masiguro na hindi masasayang ang inyong pinaghirapan at maging matagumpay ang inyong pag-uwi. Kaya naman po sa inyong pag-alis at sa inyong pagbalik, tandaan po ninyo na hindi kailanman kayo nag-iisa,” President Marcos said.
“Gagawin namin ang aming makakaya upang maprotektahan at masuportahan ang bawat Bagong Bayani.”
This year’s Bagong Bayani awardees include Engr. Romaline Dizon Isla (Outstanding Employee); Eva Rasgo Mapa (Community and Social Service); Michael Palic Conjusta (Culture and the Arts); Capt. Rolly Tenorio Lapinig and the 18 Filipino Crew of MV MSC Aube F (Heroic Act); and Camille Figueras Jesalva-Junio for the Susan “Toots” V. Ople Award.
For the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration, the awardees are Elaine Vianca G. Figueroa, Ruellyn S. Ribon, and Alexander Inday Sebastian.
Lastly, Capt. Gaudencio C. Morales received both the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration and the Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award.
