January 12, 2025

Emmanuel "Manny" F. Piñol

Official Website

What makes us work harder? HAPPY, THANKFUL FILIPINOS GOV’T WORKERS’ INSPIRATION By Manny Piñol

Dubai, UAE – Stepping out of an Emirates jet still groggy after an 8-hour flight from Manila to Dubai, the first leg of our two-day journey to Brazil and Argentina, I was greeted by a Filipino overseas worker who thanked President Rody Duterte profusely for what he is doing for the country.
“Sir, thank you to President Duterte, to you and other members of the administration for your service to the Filipino people,” he said.
After expressing appreciation for his kind words, I and members of my delegation who will be attending the World Trade Organization negotiations in Argentina, proceeded to look for a place to spend some 7 hours of waiting time for thr 14-hour flight to Rio de Janeiro.
I was surprised when minutes later, the OFW reappeared this time in the company of several other OFWs working in the Dubai Airport seeking for a photo with me.
It was both humbling and joyful to be appreciated by Filipinos working overseas.
This is the gesture that makes us in government sincerely work harder and gives us inspiration.
A smile and a sincere “thank you” are balms that soothe our tired bodies.