Aquino exhorts Filipino workers in Switzerland

President Benigno S. Aquino expressed excitement about the chance to meet overseas Filipino workers at the sidelines of his trip to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The President said in his departure speech before boarding a chartered Philippine Air Lines flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Wednesday night that not even the cold weather in this European country could hinder the warm reception his compatriots are expected to accord him when he meets them on Saturday.

"Siyempre, hindi naman po tayo masyadong mangungulila sa Switzerland dahil makakasama rin natin ang ating mga kababayan sa Zurich," the President said.

"Tiyak pong hindi natin iindahin ang lamig ng panahon doon, dahil pihadong tatapatan ito ng mainit na pagtanggap ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino," he added.

He said he would take time to personally extend his and the heartfelt thanks of the country for their sacrifice which not only has helped their respective families here but the Philippine economy as well.v"Ipapaabot natin sa kanila ang ating pasasalamat sa malaki nilang ambag sa pag-angat ng ekonomiya, hindi lamang ng Switzerland, kundi pati na rin dito sa ating bansa," the President said.

"Ang pasalubong natin para sa kanila: magagandang balita sa ating bayan, at ang ligtas at matiwasay na kalagayan ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay," he added.

There are an estimated 10,000 OFWs living and working in Switzerland. (PNA)