Manila: Filipinos living abroad remain connected with the Philippines through remittances, investments, and aid, regardless of political or economic challenges.

According to Philippines News Agency, Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) send an average of PHP38 billion in annual remittances, donate PHP3.4 billion during calamities, and conduct medical missions and cultural activities, Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Dante Ang II said in a press conference here Friday.

'Ang puso nila nananatili sa atin (Their hearts remain Filipinos) regardless of what happens and regardless of the political landscape,' Ang said. Ang stated that the CFO links the estimated 10.7 million overseas Filipinos, 30 percent of whom are workers, to safe investment, donation, and homecoming channels.

Ang emphasized that many Filipinos abroad are eager to help but need guidance. 'Maraming sabik bumalik dito sa bansa, kulang lang 'di nila alam paano tutulong, sino kakausapin (Many are eager to come home, but they need to be assisted on how to help and whom to talk to),' he added.