Filipinos living abroad remain connected with the Philippines through remittances, investments and aid, regardless of political or economic challenges.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) send an average of PHP38 billion in annual remittances, donate PHP3.4 billion during calamities, and conduct medical missions and cultural activities, Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Dante Ang II said in a press conference Friday.

“Ang puso nila nananatili sa atin (Their hearts remain Filipinos) regardless of what happens and regardless of the political landscape,” Ang said.

Ang said the CFO links the estimated 10.7 million overseas Filipinos, 30 percent of whom are workers, to safe investment, donation and homecoming channels.

Ang said many are eager to help but need guidance.

“Maraming sabik bumalik dito sa bansa, kulang lang ‘di nila alam paano tutulong, sino kakausapin (Many are eager to come home, but they need to be assisted how to help and whom to talk to),” he said. (PNA)