MALABO, Equatorial
Guinea - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Tuesday that overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs) best exemplify the world-class Filipino workforce, particularly in this oil-rich
African nation.
In a speech before some 400 Filipino migrant
workers at the mess hall of Bechtel International Incorporated, one of the companies based
inside the Campo Alba oil field complex here, the President praised the OFWs for their
contribution to the development of this tiny West African state.
"Kayo ang pinakamagandang advertisement ng
Pilipinas dito sa mayamang bansa na ito," the President intoned to the applause of
the gallery.
Upon arriving earlier from the mainland city of
Bata, the President visited the National Bank of Equatorial Guinea and the viewing deck of
oil companies located inside the Campo Alba where more than 2,500 skilled Filipino workers
are based.
Since OFWs started arriving here in 2000, the
President pointed out that company executives and even Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo have nothing but praise for the trustworthy and hardworking Filipino
workers who contribute to the development of this gas- and oil-rich nation.
The President stressed that the Philippine
government and the whole country take pride in this and acknowledge the sacrifices of OFWs
by implementing the reforms that would attract more investments. (full story) released
27 Jun 2007
