It is a pleasure and privilege to be here with you all as we celebrate in Switzerland Filipino Migrants’ Day.  I therefore would like to thank the Philippine Catholic Mission Switzerland for organizing this event.

Filipinos are the greatest resource of the Philippines. The Filipino diaspora can be found in all corners of the world.  As such, President Aquino has made it a priority for the Philippine Government to "to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers."  We will therefore continue to do whatever is necessary to send the clearest signal that the Philippine government cares for its people wherever they are.

They say that the overseas Filipino is a modern day hero.  I say that all Filipinos, wherever they may be, are heroes of our country.  For you who are here in Switzerland, in the three months that I have been assigned in Berne, I have always been told that the Filipinos in this country are among the most respected foreign nationals in Switzerland. For this, I am happy to say that you are doing our country proud and that you are the best ambassadors of the Philippines.

As Filipinos, our character always prompts us to help others in need.  This is very much evident in all of you here in Switzerland.  I have attended some events which raise funds for our less fortunate countrymen. This bayanihan spirit makes you all heroes of our country.
 
In the words again of President Aquino, “we only need to demonstrate a genuine and unsullied desire to help our fellowman. Simply obeying the law and helping those in need can make you hero. Every little sacrifice you make for your fellow Filipinos and every moment you lend a hand to those in need adds up to forging a stronger, more vibrant Philippines comprising more than ninety million heroes.”

I cannot but note with great satisfaction the theme of today’s event which is Unity under one Flag.  If we Filipinos in Switzerland stay united, we can be a viable force to reckon with.  We can do a lot for ourselves and our country.  In all the events that I have been to, I have always said that kung sama sama, kayang kaya.  We can do a lot together.  And together, we can make a difference.

Let me take this opportunity to invite those of you who have yet to register for the Overseas Absentee Voting to do so.  This process commenced on 2 November and will end on 31 October 2012.  Let us participate in this registration so that in our own small way, we can participate in nation building.
I wish you all a good afternoon as we celebrate Filipino Migrants Day in Switzerland.
Mabuhay ang mga Filipino sa Switzerland!