President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards held at Malacañan Palace on Thursday. Gregorio S. Oca received the Achievement Award. President Marcos concluded by assuring OFWs that the government will continue to protect, support, and honor them as true heroes of the nation. He emphasized that the government, through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), will continue to elevate protection, streamline services, and treat every OFW as a hero. The Bagong Bayani Awards, established in 1983 under Letter of Instruction No. 1320 by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., recognizes OFWs who demonstrate professionalism, excellence, and dedication. President Marcos also acknowledged the sacrifices OFWs make for their families and highlighted current initiatives, including: digitalization of overseas employment processes, including the OFW Travel Pass via the eGovPH App and Online Employment Contract Verification System; issuance of approximately 300,000 electronic cards by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for easier access to services and benefits; improved healthcare through the OFW Hospital and OWWA Botika; legal, medical, and financial assistance under the AKSYON Fund; OFW Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the convenience of traveling OFWs; enhanced anti-human trafficking measures and reintegration programs, including livelihood support and financial literacy training. The 2025 Bagong Bayani Awardees included Engr. Romaline Dizon Isla (Outstanding Employee), Eva Rasgo Mapa (Community and Social Service), Michael Palic Conjusta (Culture and the Arts), Capt. Rolly Tenorio Lapinig and the 18 Filipino crew of MV MSC Aube F (Heroic Act), Camille Figueras Jesalva-Junio (Susan “Toots” V. Ople Award), and successful reintegration awardees Elaine Vianca G. Figueroa, Ruellyn S. Ribon, and Alexander Inday Sebastian. Gaudencio C. Morales also received the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration. In his remarks, the President praised the dedication, hard work, and sense of Filipino pride displayed by migrant workers worldwide, noting that their efforts are admired by the international community. He assured that his administration will continue supporting programs that improve the welfare of OFWs and ease their lives abroad.
