President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday pledged continued support for the promotion of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan, as he acknowledged their key role in strengthening the Philippine-Japan relations.
Speaking before the Filipino community in Tokyo, Marcos expressed gratitude and admiration for Filipinos in Japan, describing them as the “face of the Philippines” and a symbol of resilience and quiet strength.
Marcos said Filipino workers in Japan, employed in factories, offices, schools, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and construction sites, serve as a key link in deepening people-to-people ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
“Bago pa man kami makikipagpulong sa mga pinuno ng Japan, minarapat naming unahin ang pakikipagkita sa inyo sapagkat kayo ang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan (Before we meet with Japanese leaders, we made it a priority to meet you because you are the reason why the relationship between the Philippines and Japan is important),” he said.
“Kayo ang nagbibigay-buhay sa ugnayang ito sa gitna nga ng Pilipinas at ng Japan. Napakahalaga para sa amin na ipabatid sa inyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay walang tigil at walang sawang nagsisikap upang mapangalagaan ang inyong mga karapatan, kapakanan at kaligtasan habang kayo ay naghahanapbuhay sa ibayong-dagat (You give life to this relationship between the Philippines and Japan). It is important for us to assure you that your government is continuously working to protect your rights, welfare, and safety while you work abroad).”
The President said his four-day state visit to Japan, undertaken upon the invitation of the Japanese government, aims to enhance bilateral relations in key areas such as labor protection, trade and commerce, defense, and regional cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, calling it a milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
Marcos also acknowledged the impact of global crises, including the rising oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict, and cited government interventions, including the declaration of a state of national energy emergency and implementation of the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program.
Despite global challenges, Marcos said cooperation between the Philippines and Japan remains strong, noting continued efforts to deepen collaboration to cushion the impact of the Middle East crisis and ease the burden on affected sectors.
“Pinatunayan din ng krisis na hindi maibubukod ang Pilipinas sa epekto ng pagkakaantala ng suplay ng langis at walang bansang kayang lutasin ang krisis ng enerhiya ngayon nang nag-iisa (The crisis has shown that the Philippines is not exempt from the impact of disrupted oil supply, and no country can solve the energy crisis alone),” he said.
“Bagama’t pareho nating pinagdadaanan ang hamon na dala ng kakulangan ng suplay ng enerhiya, hindi napatid ang pagtutulungan ng ating dalawang bansa upang maibsan ang hirap na naramdaman ng taumbayan (Although we are both facing challenges brought by energy supply shortages, cooperation between our two countries remains unbroken in easing the burden on our people).”
Despite the latest global developments, Marcos said he wants to make some time to meet the Filipino community in Japan, praising their vibrant spirit and strong sense of camaraderie.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights, welfare, and safety of Filipinos working and residing in Japan.
He also paid tribute to long-time Filipino residents who paved the way for younger generations, recognizing their contributions to stronger ties between the two countries.
Marcos said Filipino migrants have helped shape and strengthen communities across Japan, which now number around 350,000 and represent one of the largest expatriate groups in the country.
He expressed confidence that Filipinos in Japan will continue to excel in their respective fields while serving as positive contributors to their communities.
“It is my fervent hope that you succeed in all your endeavors in your chosen careers, whether it would be business, the arts, professional arena, the service sector or in sports. I urge you to make a good account of yourselves, and be proud of your heritage as Filipinos,” he added.
Marcos also encouraged young Filipinos in Japan to maximize opportunities while maintaining pride in their heritage, noting that integration should not mean losing one’s identity.
“We all agree that living in Japan requires a delicate balance. Japan is a nation of profound tradition, structure, and etiquette. For us to thrive here, we need to be masters of the art of integration. We must respect the local laws, embrace the culture, and learn the language,” he said.
“However, integration does not mean assimilation. It does not mean forgetting your roots and abandoning who you truly are. Our greatest asset is our unique identity. Let your Filipino heritage emanates from you in your daily interactions while still being mindful of social norms, and watch it enrich your social environment and spheres of influence.” (PNA)
