President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. together with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople met with the Filipino community in Thailand during the sidelines of the 29th APEC Summit.

During their visit, they announced the establishment of the first-ever Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Bangkok, dedicated to the protection and rights of the Filipino community there.

“Yes, Magkakaroon na kayo ng POLO office sa Bangkok," said Secretary Toots Ople.

(Yes, you will have a POLO Office in Bangkok.)

“Malaking bagay yan at magiging mas mapadali lahat ng kailangan ninyong gawin. Kaya’t talagang maasahan natin ito si Secretary Toots dahil matagal na niyang adbokasiya yan,” President Marcos added.

(It is a big thing and the things you need to do will be easier. That is why Secretary Toots is really a reliable person because that is her long-time advocacy.)

In his speech, President Marcos talked about the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit where he discussed with the different leaders about solutions to improve the economy of Asia.

He also thanked the OFWs in Thailand for their hard work and support for the government.

According to President Marcos, every time he is asked what his dream for the Philippines is, he would answer: "Simple lang naman. Wala nang gutom na Pilipino.”

(Simple. No hungry Filipinos.)

He said that every OFW is an ‘ambassador’ of the Philippines.

“Bawat isang Pilipino na nagtatrabaho, bawat isang OFW ay parang ambassador ng Pilipinas. At kayo ay naging napakagaling na ambassador dahil kung kaupin natin ang mga tiga-Thailand, sabi nila ang mga trabahador na mga Pilipino, wala kaming masabi, wala kaming mareklamo, ang sisipag, ang babait and very hospitable,” said President Marcos.

(Every Filipino who is working, every OFW is an ambassador of the Philippines. And you are good ambassadors because if we ask Thai nationals, they said that they have nothing to say or complain about Filipino workers since they are hard-working, good-natured and very hospitable.)

He also extended gratitude to the determination and help of the OFWs which highlights the name and reputation of Filipinos to the world.