Aquino: Number of OFWs declining as PH economy sustains growth

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered the keynote speech speech at the Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, an annual forum that discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region. The President discussed PH-JP relations, developments in the PH, and regional concerns. The President is in Japan for a four-day state visit, on the invitation of the Japanese government. (Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — The Philippine government’s reform initiatives and inclusive growth bid has resulted to the drop in the number of Filipinos who prefer to work overseas.

This was disclosed by President Benigno Aquino III in his speech when he met with Filipinos in Japan Tuesday night.

“Para sa akin po magandang indication ito na nakikita ng ating mga kababayan na gumaganda na ang buhay sa Pilipinas,” he said.

Citing Department of Affairs (DFA) data, the Chief Executive said there were over 10 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in 2010 but their number dropped to about 8.359 million as of end-2014.

Remittances from these workers have been among the growth drivers of the domestic economy for some decades now. It contributes about nine percent to the economy’s annual output.

The President cited that Filipinos really excel everywhere if given the right opportunities.

“Sa isang banda masaya akong makita ang tagumpay na tinatamasa ng mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang larangan. Sa kabilang banda naman nalulungkot din ako dahil nahanap nila ang asenso hindi sa sarili nating tahanan kundi sa ibayong dagat,” he said.

President Aquino noted that his administration vowed to introduce change in government.

He pointed out that a six-year term is not enough to put in all the necessary solutions to the country’s problems, thus, the focus on inclusive growth.

“Sabi natin hindi pwedeng aangat lang ang nasa itaas habang napapag-iwanan ang nasa ibaba. Hindi pwedeng mag-aabang lang ng ambon ang iba. Sabay-sabay tayong aangat,” he added.

The President left for a state visit to Japan about 10:30 am Tuesday and will be back on June 5, 2015.