Marcos hails UAE government for supporting Filipino workers

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, welcomed the UAE government delegation during their official visit to Manila, capital of the Philippines.

The two governments jointly organised the Government Experience Exchange Forum aimed at promoting effective partnerships and expanding cooperation in sharing experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to government modernisation.

The President of the Philippines expressed his gratitude to the UAE for their continuous support.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Abdulla Nasser Lootah and the UAE delegation at the conclusion of the Government Experience Exchange Forum. We appreciate the UAE’s consistent support of Filipino workers, and for being a true partner in building smarter, future-ready governments. Through sharing experiences and cooperation, we can drive real change for our people,” he added.

The UAE delegation included Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange; Mohamed Obaid Salem, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines; and members of the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, stressed that promoting government knowledge and enhancing readiness for the future through developing international cooperation models focused on experience exchange, is a cornerstone of the UAE’s wise leadership vision.

He noted that this approach strengthens international relations and empowers governments and societies to shape a better future for next generations.

“The UAE and the Philippines enjoy strong historical ties based on cooperation and partnerships across multiple sectors. The Government Experience Exchange initiatives add significant value to this partnership and represent a key driver for advancing bilateral relations, bringing mutual benefits to both nations,” Al Gergawi stressed.

On her part, the First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines, Louise Araneta Marcos, hailed the productive cooperation between the two governments across various fields, including government experience exchange. She commended the joint efforts in designing and implementing innovative initiatives that empower government leaders, youth, and women in the Philippines.

During her meeting with the UAE delegation from the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the First Lady stated that this visit, aimed at expanding cooperation in government modernisation, reflects the deep historical ties between the two countries and embodies their shared visions to develop and empower human resources, enhance performance, and contribute to promoting social wellbeing.

The two governments organised the Government Experience Exchange Forum in Manila as a strategic initiative to promote positive partnerships and enrich cooperation in experience-sharing. The Forum focused on developing innovative ideas and solutions to accelerate the achievement of the Philippines’ national priorities.

The event embodied the directives of the UAE leadership to bolster bilateral partnerships by exchanging expertise, enhancing government work and performance, and developing institutional excellence practices.

The Forum was attended by Louise Araneta Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines; Amenah Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management; Henry R. Aguda, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology; Rosemarie G. Edillon, Undersecretary at the National Economic and Development Authority; and Michael Aguinaldo, Chairperson of the Philippine Competition Commission.

The UAE delegation included senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, including Mohammed Al Taher, Director of Strategy & Policy Department; Fahad AlSuwaidi, Adviser on the Government Performance and Excellence; and Amer Abdulraouf, Executive Director of Special Projects at the Dubai Future Foundation.

WAM