By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – A concert under the stars at Malacañang Palace’s Kalayaan grounds became the stage for the nation’s gratitude as the government honored overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Sunday night, calling them the face of Filipino excellence around the world.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in a video message during the 6th “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace) paid tribute to the country’s “modern-day heroes” whose sacrifices, he said, fuel not just families but the nation’s future.
“Ito ay simbolo ng aming taos-pusong pasasalamat at pagsaludo sa inyong di matatawarang sakripisyo at dedikasyon upang mapabuti ang inyong pamilya, komunidad at bansa (This is a symbol of our heartfelt gratitude and salute to your unmatched sacrifice and dedication to improve the lives of your families, communities, and our nation),” Marcos said.
Themed “Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Para sa Ating Mga OFWs,” the event gathered OFWs and their families while thousands more tuned in from overseas through coordinated watch parties.
Marcos hailed OFWs as proud bearers of Filipino grit and grace abroad.
“That makes me truly proud to be a Filipino because of how well you have represented us beyond our shores,” he said. “You’re serving with passionate hearts and genuine smiles. Indeed, Filipinos really do give the world our best.”
“Kayo ang patunay na ang mga Pilipino ay kayang-kayang makipagsabayan sa ibang lahi saan mang sulok ng mundo, dahil sa inyong disiplina, tapang at malasakit sa bayan (You are proof that Filipinos can compete with other races in any corner of the world, because of your discipline, courage and concern for the nation),” he said.
The night featured homegrown artists from across the archipelago, including Rap Cañedo from Davao de Oro, Marielle Montellano from Cebu, Chito Ricafrente from Quezon and Winchester Lopez from La Union.
Likewise, the KSP Band and Primedance Manila took the stage to pay tribute to migrant workers.
Reuben Laurente, a former member of The Company and an OFW himself, also performed as special guest.
Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Tourism were present to reinforce the state’s ongoing commitment to OFWs.
The government, under the Marcos administration, has been championing initiatives aimed at protecting migrant workers and supporting their families — from expanded Migrant Workers Offices abroad to free healthcare at the OFW Hospital in Pampanga and dedicated lounges at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“Makakaasa kayo na laging nandidito ang pamahalaan upang protektahan, alagaan at itaguyod ang kapakanan ninyo at ng mga pamilya ninyo (You can count on the government to always be here to protect, care for, and uphold your and your families’ welfare),” the President said.
The event continued the tradition of themed concerts hosted by Malacañang, with previous editions honoring soldiers (April 2023), national athletes (August 2023), teachers (October 2023), healthcare workers (June 2024), and Philippine cinema stars and workers (December 2024). (PNA)
