House Speaker Emphasizes Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong
House Speaker Martin Romualdez stressed the vital role of overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong, assuring them that the Marcos administration will never leave them behind. During his visit to Hong Kong on June 8, he led the grand opening of the DMW-OWWA OFW Global Centre and the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo–OFW Serbisyo Caravan.
Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), highlighted the government’s commitment to providing better service to OFWs abroad. “Today, we open not just the doors of a new facility – we open the doors to better service, deeper care, and a stronger commitment to our Bagong Bayani – our OFWs,” he said.
The DMW-OWWA OFW Global Centre was established following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make government services more accessible to Filipinos overseas. Representatives from key government agencies traveled to Hong Kong to deliver frontline assistance directly to OFWs.
Bringing Government Services Closer to OFWs
“Kasama rin natin ngayon ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan na lumipad at lumapit sa inyo, dala ang kanilang serbisyo—mula sa SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, hanggang sa DSWD, PSA, PRC, at marami pang iba. This is the spirit of the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo – OFW Serbisyo Caravan,” Romualdez explained.
He added, “We are bringing the whole of government to you–hindi niyo na kailangang umuwi para mag-asikaso ng inyong mga pangangailangan. Ang gobyernong tunay na nagmamahal sa OFW – ang gobyernong marunong lumapit, makinig, at kumilos.”
A Home Away from Home for OFWs
Romualdez described the OFW community in Hong Kong as one of the most hardworking and inspiring Filipino groups worldwide. For the first time, Filipino workers in the Chinese Special Administrative Region will have a dedicated space for training, empowerment, and even relaxation.
“This center is yours – it is a home away from home. Kung may bagong puso ang Bagong Pilipinas, kayo po iyon – ang ating mga OFW,” he said, underscoring the importance of the community.
The Speaker also reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to advocating for laws that protect and empower overseas Filipino workers. “You deserve nothing less. Because when we talk about building a Bagong Pilipinas, we’re not just building it for you – we’re building it with you,” he declared.
Championing OFW Rights and Welfare
Acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by OFWs for their families and country, Romualdez promised the government’s continued fight for their rights and welfare. “You have sacrificed so much. You have given so much. Kaya’t kami sa pamahalaan ay lalaban para sa inyo – para sa inyong karapatan, para sa inyong kinabukasan, at para sa kinabukasan ng inyong pamilya,” he said.
He urged that the new center symbolize the government’s dedication to serving OFWs not just in words but through meaningful actions.
Special messages were also delivered by Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre. The House Speaker expressed gratitude to Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, OWWA Administrator Patricia Caunan, and other officials who contributed to the realization of the OFW Global Centre in Hong Kong.
For more news and updates on overseas Filipino workers, visit Filipinokami.com.