Considered as the best in the world, the Filipino worker is the Philippines' single biggest comparative advantage for local and global productivity and competitiveness.
We appreciate the many contributions workers continue to make in this country, and the role they play in ensuring our nation's strength, prosperity and well-being.
We trust in the ingenuity and creativity of the Filipino, and we are confident that together, our country will forge dynamically ahead in the decades to come.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also recognizes the dedication, commitment and tremendous courage of labor leaders and union members who strive to improve working conditions and raise living standards.
We support the strengthening of the spirit of tripartism - between labor, management, and the Philippine government - and enhancing education and training geared towards providing a decent and productive employment and an improved quality of life for our workers and their families.
In an increasingly competitive world, we must not fall victim to complacency. The continuing vitality and resiliency of our economy in the face of the global crisis rests in large measure on the willingness, understanding and cooperation of the working men and women of the Philippines.
Today is a time to look ahead. While we honor the triumphs of our workers, let us also examine where we may have fallen short and where we can make the most difference.
The men and women of the Philippine foreign service reiterate our commitment towards upholding, protecting and promoting the rights and interests of our overseas Filipino workers.
I take my hat off to you, my hard working kababayans. With your hard work, competence and creativity, you have stood out in an increasingly competitive world. You deserve the accolades of a proud nation.
MABUHAY ANG MANGGAGAWANG PILIPINO!