I was fortunate to be part of our country’s delegation to the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit in Singapore led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

I took the opportunity to meet with our kababayans who are working there. I met with Filipino community leaders: Rose Sharon Tordesillas, LBC country manager; Cristy Vicentina, PNB general manager; Nowella Joy Labasbas, UP Alumni Association Singapore ManCom and Evelyn Casuga of the Filipino Overseas Workers in Singapore.

I consider it a privilege to be given the opportunity to listen to their stories as well as understand firsthand some of their problems: in life and at work. For all the challenges they face, it’s heartwarming to see the smiles in their faces.

Singapore protects the welfare of its migrant workers. Our OFWs are very fortunate that is why there are very minimal problems with regards to relationships with employers. How I wish that all other countries which employ our OFWs were like Singapore.

Mabuhay ang mga bagong bayani ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang mga Overseas Filipino Workers!