President Marcos surprises OFWs at Lucky Plaza Singapore

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos surprised a number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) spending Sunday time at the Lucky Plaza Mall in Singapore yesterday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

“The President arrived at Lucky Plaza Mall at around noon to say hello to OFWs who usually gather at the popular mall for Filipinos along Orchard Road in Singapore,” the PCO said in a statement.

Marcos also posted on his YouTube account a video of his mall visit. He was accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos, his son Simon and cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Wearing a white polo shirt and gray pants, Marcos was mobbed by Filipinos as he entered the mall. The President posed for selfies with some OFWs and was seen hugging several of them.

The OFWs were chanting BBM, his initials.

“So that our work visit in Singapore will be complete, we surprised our kababayans at Lucky Plaza,” Marcos captioned his almost 30-minute video.

According to the agency, the OFWs could not contain their excitement and eagerness upon seeing the Chief Executive, and felt honored that the President made time to visit them.

“They also expressed their continued support for the Marcos administration as they are extremely satisfied with the current outcome and changes in the Philippines,” the PCO added.

Marcos was invited by the Milken Institute to Singapore to speak at the 10th Asia Summit on Sept. 13. Last Saturday, Marcos met the top executives of Singapore’s multinational technology company Dyson and Malaysian retail specialist Valiram Group.

Dyson committed P11 billion worth of investment in the Philippines in the next two years, while the Valiram Group is looking at expanding its operations in the country by developing airport outlets for duty-free retail tourism, the PCO said.

Earlier, the PCO said the Chief Executive also met with officials of India’s GMR. The company reportedly expressed interest in investing in the Philippines’ airports, roads and energy projects.

Marcos left the country on Sept. 13, his 66th birthday. He also watched the Formula One Grand Prix 2023 at Marina Bay over the weekend.