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Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured overseas Filipino workers on Wednesday of his government’s dedication to their welfare and to improving support for their families.

Nearly 2 million Filipinos work abroad, mostly in Middle Eastern countries.

Often referred to in the Philippines as “modern-day heroes,” workers have in the past decade sent home remittances that contributed an average of nearly 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Marcos paid tribute to them during Overseas Filipino Workers Family Day in Pasay City.

“The contribution of OFWs to our society, to all of us here in the Philippines, is truly big. We are not only talking about remittances and how they help our economy. They also bring home with them new skills and knowledge,” he said, vowing better protections to the workers’ families.

“As you work abroad to provide a better life for your family, we will do everything to improve the living conditions in the Philippines so that when you come home, you will see big changes in our country.”

One of the current administration’s programs is the 1348 hotline available 24/7 for distressed overseas Filipino workers requiring legal assistance, rescue or counseling while abroad, as well as initiatives aimed at equipping OFWs with new skills, or helping the reintegration of those who return to the Philippines.

There are also programs intended for family members of Filipino migrant workers, especially for the welfare of their children.

“The government intends to strengthen your relationship with your families, especially since you are not able to be with them for a long time,” he said.

“Many more projects are in the pipeline and we will still improve those that are already existing. I hope that you will make the most of these projects and benefits.”