December
8, 2017
CLARK
FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga -- President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his gratitude to
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their contribution to the country's
economic progress during the Overseas Filipino Workers Welfare
“So
I represent the Filipino nation in thanking you for your sacrifice and for
helping us keeping the gross domestic product. Malaking share ‘yan. Gross
domestic product is simply income. Income of government ang ibig sabihin
niyan,” President Duterte said adding that part of the government's income came
from the "toil and sweat" of OFWs.
To
show the government's gratitude for their sacrifices, the Chief Executive
offered assistance to returning OFWs who would want to start a business or work
in the country.
“Whatever
is doing brisk business in your place. We will try to find out kung paano ito
malakasan, how we can help by marketing it,” he said.
He
added that the country will need more workers in the construction sector with
several projects in the pipeline under the administration's Build, Build, Build
program.
“Marami
sa akin sa Davao, maraming construction, ang problema wala silang mga professional
plumber, ‘yung mga electricians na marunong, eh halos kasi nagsilabasan,” he
said.
“And
even those trying to build meron ngayong gagawin sa Maynila dalawang bridges
and they require, you know, expertise --- something has a little bit of what a
construction is all about," he added.
He
noted that the Department of Trade and Industry is also helping small and
medium enterprises start a business or market their products.
Thirty
nine OFWs out of more than 200 Filipino workers who arrived from Qatar Thursday
afternoon were preselected to receive cash gifts and other surprises from the
OWWA.
Among
those who received I-DOLE were David Dionisio, Mellie Ramirez, Rodylyn Morada
and Carlo Redoble.
Eight
OFWs also received PHP50,000 cash gift from OWWA namely Jerson Villamero
Zamora, Felix Sbrigo Bambilla, Carlo Dalaguit Redoble, Alan Javalde Gonzaga,
Ronald Panahon Ballicud, Judith Soto Gonzaga, Fatima Venancio Bibangon and
Wellnor Gonzaga Zamora. Ten thousand worth of appliances were also given to
Grace Lyn Jimenez Colot, Marlondino Olarte Bambilla, Diosdado Gonzaga Laylay
Jr., Joy Pinero Militante, Allan Manliquez Militante, Jocelyn Militante Labajo,
Joy Manliquez Dalagon, and Prisco Villamero Zamora Jr.
Five
repatriated OFWs also received PHP3,000 worth of appliances. They were Gerlie
Gonzaga Laylay, Lowelyn Militante Gonzaga, William Sabado, Manolo Mediavillo
and Rey Chua Jr.
Special
gifts were also given to Julie Rose Mediavillo, Eller Ocampo, Eric Bacolod
Delos Reyes, Nelson Dumantay and Fely Dumantay.
