Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte visits Kuwait, acknowledges contribution of OFWs

By Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait experienced a remarkable occasion on Friday as Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte paid a special visit to honor their dedication and contributions. The highlight of her trip was an event hosted by the Maisug Organization, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 1,000 OFWs, all eager to connect with the Vic-President and celebrate their shared community and identity.

Vice President, Duterte in her heartfelt remarks resonated the importance of OFWs to the Philippine economy and society. She began by expressing her deep gratitude to the millions of Filipinos who cast their votes for her in the recent elections, particularly those residing and working in Kuwait. This acknowledgment was not only a nod to her electoral support but also a reminder of the integral role the OFWs play in Philippine democracy, economy, and culture.

On a personal touch, Duterte conveyed messages of appreciation on behalf of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing legal challenges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. She disclosed that her father has lost a significant amount of weight recently citing medical reasons, including a diabetes-related diet, reinforcing the human side of political figures. Her updates about her father’s situation were met with a mixture of concern and admiration, showcasing the ongoing bond between the family and their supporters.

A central theme in her speech was the vital contribution of remittances from OFWs, which serve as a backbone for the Philippine economy. According to estimates, these remittances significantly bolster the nation’s financial stability, making it crucial for the government to prioritize the welfare and rights of Filipinos abroad. Duterte emphasized the importance of giving OFWs a voice, encouraging them to share their experiences and challenges, as this feedback is invaluable in shaping policies that could enhance their working conditions globally.

Duterte also took the opportunity to express her gratitude toward the initiatives by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and the local government, without whose support the event would not have been possible. She recognized the efforts of the Maisug Organization for organizing the event, which allowed her to connect directly with Filipino workers and hear what they have to say firsthand.

Despite the formality of her role, Vice President Duterte’s demeanor was approachable and warm. Following her address, she generously spent time taking photos with each of the attendees, a gesture that endeared her even further to the crowd. This personal interaction highlighted her commitment to not just serving the OFWs from a distance but also understanding and appreciating them as individuals with unique stories and contributions.

As her visit drew to a close, with her scheduled return to the Philippines today morning, the Vice President left Kuwait carrying with her the deep gratitude for the overwhelming support of the OFWs. She also left with a strengthened resolve to champion the rights and welfare of all Filipinos abroad. Her parting message resonated strongly — the vision of a future, where working as an OFW becomes a matter of choice rather than necessity — reflecting the dreams of countless Filipinos in pursuit of better lives.

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