PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE COMMEMORATING YEAR 2000 THE YEAR OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS

As President of a proud and great nation, it is my distinct privilege to lead our people in the commemoration of the Year of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). I also take pride as we pay tribute to our modern-day heroes for sustaining the country’s economic gains.

Over four centuries have passed since the first recorded Filipino migrant set sail in search for the "new world". Since then, at least six million other Filipinos have followed suit, each one equipped with the resolve to succeed and to find his meaningful place in the global community.

Imbued with an unwavering faith in this country, Filipino workers abroad continue to share their resources whenever the opportunities call for their involvement in the affairs of the nation. Through their invaluable contribution, the OFWs have made the country proud. Their personal milestones are affirmations that we, Filipinos, have contributed so much in the realization of the gains of other nations and the world, at large.

Sa lahat ng aking mga kababayan sa ibayong dagat, ikinalulugod kong ipaabot sa inyong lahat ang pasasalamat at pagbati ng inyong mga kababayan. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang pakikipagtulungan natin sa ikauunlad at ikapapayapa ng ating bansa at ng sandaigdigan.

Mabuhay ang mga makabagong bayani ng bansa!