Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that the government is now more accessible than ever, directly reaching out to Filipinos abroad in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.
Romualdez made the statement in Hong Kong, where he led the grand opening of the Department of Migrant Workers-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-OWWA) OFW Global Center and the launch of the “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo” OFW Serbisyo Caravan.
Members of the House of Representatives, labor officials, and OFW affairs officers—led by DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac—also attended the event.
“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 modern-day heroes—our OFWs,” Romualdez said.
He emphasized that the DMW-OWWA OFW Global Centre was established in response to a clear directive from President Marcos: to make the government more accessible to every Filipino abroad.
Romualdez underscored that representatives from major government agencies flew to Hong Kong to deliver frontline services directly to OFWs.
“Joining us here today are representatives from various government agencies who traveled here to serve you—from the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Professional Regulation Commission, and many others. This is the spirit of the ‘Bagong Bayani ng Mundo’ OFW Serbisyo Caravan,” he said.
“We are bringing the entire government to you. You no longer have to return home to attend to your needs. This is a government that truly values our OFWs—a government that knows how to reach out, to listen, and to act,” he added.
Romualdez said it was a great honor to stand with OFWs in Hong Kong, describing them as among the most hardworking, resilient, and inspiring Filipino communities in the world.
For the first time, he noted, Filipino workers in the Chinese Special Administrative Region will now have a dedicated space for training, empowerment, and even a quiet cup of coffee during their rest days.
“This center is yours—it is a home away from home. If there is a new heart beating for a better Philippines, it is you—our OFWs,” he said.
He assured them that the House of Representatives remains fully committed to advancing legislation that protects, empowers, and honors OFWs.
“You deserve nothing less. Because when we talk about building a new Philippines, we’re not just building it for you—we’re building it with you. You are not extras in the story of the Philippines—you are the main characters. And it is our duty to ensure that every tear, every sacrifice, and every triumph you offer for the country is not wasted,” Romualdez said.
Recognizing the immense sacrifices of OFWs for their families and for the nation, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to defending their rights and securing their future.
“You have sacrificed so much. You have given so much. That is why we in government will fight for you—for your rights, for your future, and for the future of your families,” he said.
“Let this center stand as a symbol of our commitment to serve—not just through words, but through action. Your dream of providing a better life for your family is our dream too. And so we will move forward together—united, for a better Philippines,” he added.
Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre also delivered special messages to the OFW community during the event.
