NEW JERSEY , Sept 19: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr on Monday encouraged Filipinos abroad to open businesses and buy properties in the Philippines to help their countrymen back home.

In his speech addressing the Filipino community at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Marcos said their investments in the Philippines will create jobs for Filipinos back home and help them overcome the current global crisis.

“All of you are enjoined to continue investing in the Philippines. Do not stop buying condominium units and other real estate back home. Invest and open businesses - whether small, big, or a sari-sari store or a big company. All of those will help,” he said.

“This will all contribute to create much needed jobs and build a better life for all our people,” the President added.

He also encouraged overseas Filipinos to give a heads up to Philippine embassies if they know anyone who is interested in opening a business in the Philippines so that the authorities can “close the deal.”

The President also said overseas Filipinos were automatically “special envoys” and encouraged them to invite their employers and friends to go to the Philippines to see its tourist spots and explore possible trade investment opportunities.

“I hope all including the caregivers, housekeepers, baby sitters, others in the informal sector can do just as much as our diplomats could do by inviting your employers to visit the Philippines not just to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of our country and our people but also to explore possible trade investment opportunities there,” he said.

“All of you are encouraged to bring home your friends to allow them to experience for themselves why the Philippines has become one of the top tourism destinations in Asia that offers the best islands, the most amazing beaches, and stunning landscapes that cannot be found, cannot be bettered anywhere in the world. Most importantly introduce them to the grace, the kindness, the hospitality, and the graciousness of all Filipinos,” Marcos added.

He also said overseas Filipinos themselves can go back to the Philippines, urging them to “book that long overdue trip back home.”

The President reiterated the need for unity, which is one of his key messages during the 2022 presidential campaign, for the betterment of the country.

“When you get home after this gathering, I would like for you to list down three things that you can do for your country and commit yourself to make them happen. We have a long and bumpy road, full of risk and perils ahead of us as we face this turbulent time in global history,” Marcos said.

“But as your President, I remain confident that with your three things, no matter how small they are, those three things will make us succeed if we all agree to unite and to work together. Unity is still our call,” he added.

Marcos is currently on a working visit to New York to participate in the United Nations 77th General Assembly and meet with world leaders and US top businesses, with the aim of bringing investments to the Philippines and create partnerships with other countries.

 - ANN