OFW welfare is top PH foreign policy concern, says Duterte

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/02/14/20180212kuwait-ofw-repatriation-8-jc.jpg"/><figcaption>Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Kuwait arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on Monday, February 12, 2018, under government&#x27;s repatriation program. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte assured on Monday that the welfare of Filipino migrant workers is the top foreign policy concern of the Philippines.</p><p>Duterte made the announcement during his third State of the Nation Address as he hailed the economic contributions of migrant workers.</p><p>&quot;I am a worker of government and it is my vow to make sure that your well-being remains our foremost foreign policy concern,&quot; the President said.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c8QCdQB0988?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>Earlier this year, the President ordered a temporary ban on the deployment of Filipino migrant workers to Kuwait following a string of reported deaths and abuses on Filipino workers in the Gulf state, including Joanna Demafelis, whose body was found in a freezer.</p><p>The row was resolved in May after the Philippines and Kuwait <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/05/11/18/philippines-kuwait-ink-deal-on-ofw-protection">signed</a> a deal to provide better protection for Filipino migrant workers in the Gulf state.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/18/palace-ph-kuwait-ties-back-to-normal">Palace: PH-Kuwait ties back to normal</a></li></ul><p>&quot;You (Filipino migrant workers) epitomize the innate resilience of the nation. You have shown your willingness to toil and sacrifice day in and day out for the long-term good of your family and loved ones,&quot; Duterte said.</p><p>The President added that the Philippine government continues to work closely with other countries hosting Filipino migrant workers to ensure their welfare following reported abuses and deaths.</p><p>&quot;It is for this reason that we are continuing to work with the host nations for the welfare of our countrymen,&quot; Duterte said.</p><p>&quot;I&#x27;ve always believed that no matter how well-intentioned a leader is, no matter how well conceived may be his mission, if he lacks the political will to do what needs to be done, they can only end up a failure and a hopeless dreamer,&quot; he added.</p><p>Over 10 million Filipinos are abroad, and the remittances of those who work in other countries and territories are a lifeline to the Philippine economy.</p>

<p>MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte assured on Monday that the welfare of Filipino migrant workers is the top foreign policy concern of the Philippines.</p>

MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte assured on Monday that the welfare of Filipino migrant workers is the top foreign policy concern of the Philippines.

OFW welfare is top PH foreign policy concern, says Duterte | ABS-CBN

Halalan 2025

Entertainment

News

Metro.Style

Sports

More

Traffic

Horoscope

Overseas

OFW welfare is top PH foreign policy concern, says Duterte

OFW welfare is top PH foreign policy concern, says Duterte

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 23, 2018 06:16 PM PHT

|

Updated Mar 03, 2020 12:35 PM PHT

Read More:

Rodrigo Duterte

OFW

overseas Filipino workers

SONA 2018

overseas Filipinos

remittances

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.