2023 September 17

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received a rockstar welcome from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at a mall during a surprise visit on Sunday at the sidelines of his official visit to Singapore.

The President arrived at Lucky Plaza Mall at around noon to say hello to OFWs who usually gather at the popular mall for Filipinos along Orchard Road in Singapore.

The OFWs whom the President met could not contain their excitement and eagerness upon seeing the chief executive, and felt honored that the President made time to visit them.

“Happy po kami, happy po kami dahil nakita po namin ang presidente namin nang personal,” (“We are happy, we are happy because we saw our president in person”) an OFW said.

They also expressed their continued support for the Marcos administration as they are extremely satisfied with the current outcome and changes in the Philippines.

“Sana magtuloy-tuloy pa ang pagbabago ng Pilipinas. We’re happy for the changes in the Philippines,” (“I hope the Philippines will continue to change. We’re happy for the changes in the Philippines“) another OFW said.

“Good luck and take care always and we’re hoping that our country be very successful country that we have,” another OFW remarked when asked for a message to the President.

“I really love Bong Bong Marcos. I love you so much.”

President Marcos always makes sure to visit Filipino communities whenever he visits other countries.

The OFWs, on the other h

and, are grateful that the President never forgets them.

“Sobrang… Hindi mo kasi mae-encounter ‘yung Presidente normally, ‘di ba? So, napakasuwerteng pagkakataon ‘yung isang beses makita mo siya nang malapitan, mahawakan mo. It’s a privilege,” (“It’s so… You don’t get to meet the President normally, do you? So, the one time you see him up close, you can touch him is a very lucky opportunity. It’s a privilege“) an OFW said.

“Good health, more wisdom para po mapataas niya ‘yung ekonomiya natin at tiwala lang sa gobyerno. Thank you!” (“Good health, more wisdom so that he can improve our economy and trust the government. Thank you!”) the OFW hoped for the President and the government.

The chief executive was invited to address the Milken Institute’s Asia Summit in Singapore where he discussed priority policies and programs before economic managers and business leaders.

During the President’s visit in Singapore, he also met with officials of India’s GMR who expressed their interest in investing to Philippines’ airports, roads, and energy projects.

Singapore’s multinational technology company, Dyson also committed PhP 11-billion worth of investment for the Philippines in the next two years.

Likewise, Malaysian retail specialist, Valiram Group is looking at expanding its operations in the Philippines by developing airport outlets for duty-free retail tourism. PND