KUALA LUMPUR - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised the important role of overseas Filipino workers in national development, last Thursday.

He spoke at the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards in Malacañang Palace, where he honoured their sacrifices for their families and the country.

“Today, we pay tribute to our modern-day heroes. The Bagong Bayani Awards recognizes the skill, honor, and goodwill of Filipinos who, despite working abroad, are able to show the true essence of being Filipino.

“Whenever I speak with someone from another country, they always tell me about the excellence of the Filipinos who are there with them. So, thank you all for bringing honor to our nation,” Marcos said.

Marcos said government agencies will continue to work together to make migrant workers’ lives better.

The Bagong Bayani Awards was created in 1983 under Letter of Instruction No. 1320 by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. to honour overseas Filipino workers who show professionalism, excellence, and dedication.

This year’s Outstanding Employee Award was given to Engr. Romaline Dizon Isla.

Eva Rasgo Mapa received the award for Community and Social Service, Michael Palic Conjusta was honoured for Culture and the Arts.

Captain Rolly Tenorio Lapinig and the 18 Filipino crew of MV MSC Aube F received the award for Heroic Act and Camille Figueras Jesalva-Junio received the Susan ‘Toots’ V. Ople Award.

For the Successful Reintegration category, the awardees were Elaine Vianca G. Figueroa, Ruellyn S. Ribon, and Alexander Inday Sebastian.

Capt. Gaudencio C. Morales received both the Successful Reintegration Award and the Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award.