Speaking for the government, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told 17,000 Syria-based OFWs that government looks after their interests by strengthening diplomatic relations with Middle East countries.
She added that supporting expatriates displaced by the global economic crisis, is another way of serving OFWs.
The President told the Filipino expats that the government launched the P1-billion Filipino Overseas Livelihood Support Fund for loan and livelihood availment for workers stirred by global crisis.
In her dialogue with Syrian President Bashir Al Assad, both heads of states also agreed to strengthen political consultations as well as put up a joint Filipino – Syrian Business Council to be a venue for tackling trade issues. (PIA)
