By Rose Palacio

Davao City (16 October) -- "Our overseas Filipino workers are truly one of the champions of the Philippine economy but the government shall continue to push all strategic measures to create well-paying jobs at home rather than have them toil away from their loved ones," said Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye.

Gracing the local radio program "Arangkada" over DXRA anchored by Elmer Kintanar in collaboration with Philippine Information Agency, Secretary Bunye pointed out that while the government extols OFW remittances as a major lynchpin of the nation's financial stability, "we must make sure that our nationals are always out of harm's way and treated well by their hosts."

The Arroyo Administration is implementing a six-point action plan for the continuous evacuation of Filipino nationals in Lebanon-Israel birder, despite the ceasefire now in effect between the two countries.

The implementation of the six-point action plan is in line with President Arroyo's directive for continuous evacuation of the Filipino workers who may be trapped in the war.

Secretary Bunye said right now, the government has been assisting OFWs by facilitating easier, cheaper and secure ways of sending money to their families back home.

This is one way that the government could return our appreciation to our OFWs for the great service they are doing for the country, he said.

Secretary Bunye urged the OFWs to keep in touch with the crisis team and follow the call of the officials since the government is in the position to assess the security situation in Lebanon.

The Philippine government welcomes the ceasefire brokered by the United Nations but with caution against possible flashpoints that may still abound in the ground.