By ARGYLL GEDUCOS
President Duterte thanked overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia for their hard work, loyalty to the country, and support to the government and said he wants them to be home with their loved ones during the holidays.
Duterte, in a message relayed by Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert Borje during his visit to the Bahay Kalinga, a shelter run by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, in Riyadh, reiterated his continuing concern for the plight of Filipinos working abroad.
The President greeted the OFWs a Merry Christmas, expressing his gratitude for their hard work, loyalty to the country and for their support to the government.
“More than anything, we want you home. We want you to live fruitful and meaningful lives close to your loved ones,” Duterte said. “Maraming salamat po. Hinding-hindi ko kayo malilimutan. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon,” he added.
Malacañang said female wards at the Bahay Kalinga received care packages and financial assistance from Duterte and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Another group of 70 female wards and minors, staying in a facility run by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, also received the same financial and in-kind assistance.
Borje, also Duterte’s Special Envoy to Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, was sent by the President to North Africa and the Middle East to assess the situation of Filipinos in these regions.
During his visit to Riyadh, Borje paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and reaffirmed shared commitment to intensify cooperation as the two nations celebrate 50 years of bilateral ties this year.
The Foreign Affairs official conveyed Duterte’s gratitude to Saudi Arabia for ensuring the welfare of Filipinos working there.
Borje also raised the issue of Saudi-born Filipino minors awaiting repatriation to the Philippines to Prince Faisal.
Prince Faisal said his government will try to accelerate the process so that the Filipino minors could be sent home.
Borje relayed Duterte’s invitation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit the Philippines.