PBBM to OFWs: Things looking up at home, try doing business in PH

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Photo: Philippine News Agency/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to try investing in the Philippines by putting up their own businesses at home, citing the country’s improved business environment and economic stability.

Speaking before the Filipino community in Brunei Darussalam, Marcos thanked migrant workers for their sacrifices and dedication that cultivate the reputation of the “special brand of Filipino service” abroad.

“Over the years, every time I go abroad, I talk to my foreign counterparts, I get compliments for the strong work ethic of Filipinos. I’m always told that Filipinos have unparalleled skills [and are] efficient and are trustworthy. And I know that is the same here in Brunei,” Marcos said.

“You may all have different professions, [but] what we bring to all that we do, not only in the Philippines, but even abroad, as is proven by the record that Filipinos have made and the reputation that you have gained that what we bring is a special brand of Filipino service everywhere we go,” he added.

The President also said he remains committed to fulfilling his promise of making more opportunities in the Philippines for Filipinos.

This, according to Marcos, resulted in increased investor confidence as seen in the approximately PHP1.26 trillion worth of investments the country sealed last year.

“Ang unang namin target ay sabi namin 1.151 trillion pesos. Ngunit, ito’y umabot na sa mas mataas na numero (Our initial target is PHP1.151 trillion. But we managed to surpass this figure),” Marcos said.

Marcos said the projects are expected to produce 49,030 jobs for Filipinos.

With a conducive business environment in the backdrop, the President then encouraged OFWs to try investing in the country to help the economy flourish further.

“Alam po natin na kapag masigla ang ekonomiya, maayos ang kabuhayan (We all know that when the economy is robust, businesses are vibrant). Things are looking up for the economy,” the chief executive said.

“Bukod sa mga remittance na nanggaling sa inyo, sa ating mga OFW (Aside from the remittances that we received from you all, our OFWs), I also encourage all of you to someday to return, and invest, and set up your own business at home and in the Philippines,” he added.

Marcos is in Brunei for a two-day visit upon the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.

Improved airport

In the same speech, Marcos said that among his priorities is to improve infrastructures through the “Build Better More” program.

Among the projects in the multi-billion program is the rehabilitation of the four-terminal Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Although the entire rehabilitation program will take 15 years to finish, he said its effects may be felt as early as next year.

“Mayroon tayo pong PHP170.6 billion na dadalhin para pagandahin ang ating mga passenger terminal, ang ating mga airside facilities, at saka mas madali ang paglipat mula sa isang terminal hanggang sa kabilang terminal, mula sa airport hanggang sa terminal ng bus para maka-uwi sa probinsya (We set aside PHP170.6 billion to improve our passenger terminals, our airside facilities, and also to make it easier to move from one terminal to another, from the airport to the bus terminal to go home to the province),” Marcos said.

“Lahat po iyan ay bubuuin po natin para hindi na po nahihirapan ang ating mga bisita at ang ating mga balikbayan (We will develop all of that so that our guests and our returning countrymen will not have any difficulties).”

Earlier this year, the SMC-SAP & Co. Consortium, led by San Miguel Corporation, won the bid to operate and rehabilitate NAIA.

The consortium bagged the PHP170.6 billion public-private partnership project by offering the biggest revenue share of 82.16 percent to the government.