President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in India that their welfare remains at the heart of every foreign mission that the Philippine government undertakes, stating that meeting with the Filipino community abroad is always a top priority.

President Marcos visited India upon the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and marked the first day of his five-day visit by meeting with the Filipino community at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi on Monday.

In his speech, the President lauded the Filipino community in India for its strong unity, professionalism, generosity toward fellow Filipinos in need, and being ambassadors of goodwill for the Philippines.

“Saan man po tayo magtungo, ang pakikipagkamustahan sa ating Filipino community ay tuwina’y pangunahin sa ating agenda. Dahil pag nakikita namin kayo (Wherever we go, greeting our Filipino community is always top of our agenda. Because when we see you), being able to meet with you, to interact with you, our compatriots, is of always of great joy and delight,” the President said.

“But more than this, being with you reminds us and impresses once more upon us that our overriding mission in every foreign visit is to improve the lot and the lives of Filipinos, both in our motherland and outside of the Philippines all around the world,” he added.

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted the contributions of Filipinos in India, while noting that the community, composed largely of Filipino women married to Indian nationals and professionals in various industries, upholds the country’s image with dignity, talent and compassion.

He said that while India currently has no Migrant Workers Office (MWO), he assured that their needs are being addressed through the Philippine Embassy and honorary consulates in Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.

He also announced that the Philippines and India will sign a Social Security Agreement, providing additional protection and benefits for Filipinos living and working in the country.

Meanwhile, President Marcos reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance support for OFWs, starting with easing the travel experience through the airport OFW Lounge that has already served about 1.2 million.

He also cited the continuous upgrades of the country’s international and regional airports, and the strengthening of reintegration support and programs for OFWs.

He added that the launching of e-visa has greatly eased the visa process, and the visa-free entry scheme for Indian tourists last June will soon be complemented by the recovery of direct flights led by Air India.

“Being in India, you will be pleased to know that we are ramping up our relations with this country, now the fourth-largest economy in the world. In the coming days, our delegation will be engaging not only the government of Prime Minister Modi, but also India’s biggest enterprises. We would like to see them invest more and generate more jobs back home,” the President said.

Halfway through his term, Marcos said his administration remains focused on driving economic growth, citing the Philippines’ gross domestic product record of 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025.

“Ngayong gabi, ako ay nagpapaabot ng pasasalamat sa inyo lahat. Ang inyo pong pagsuporta ay hindi lamang sa ating administration. Sa bandang huli, ang inyo pong suporta ay para sa ating bansa at sa ating mahal na Republika (Tonight, I extend my gratitude to all of you. Your support is not just for our administration. Ultimately, your support is for our country and our beloved Republic),” the President said. (PNA)