PETALING JAYA: The large Filipino community in Malaysia is hoping fervently that their incoming president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, will keep his pledge to help the poor and bring progress to the republic.

       Top on their “want list” is more job creation, housing and food production.

       Marcos Jr, 64, clinched a stunning runaway victory in the Philippine presidential election on Monday in the first win by a majority since the 1986 revolution that toppled his late father’s two-decade dictatorship.

       He garnered over 30 million votes, double that of his challenger with 93.8% of the eligible ballots counted. An official result is only expected by the month end.

       Hoping for change: Mercado, Mary and Karina were pleased with the election results and hope Marcos Jr will bring progress to the Philippines.

       Mary Jeane Mercado Aribal, 44, said Filipinos were eager for change under the leadership of Marcos Jr, who is popularly known as “Bongbong” there.

       For starters, Mary, who has been working as a domestic helper here for close to five years, wants the new leader to create more job opportunities within the country.

       “This is so that Filipinos need not have to work overseas to sustain themselves. I think almost all Filipinos want change.

       “We want more companies and factories set up, so Filipinos don’t have to leave,” she said.

       “Also, we need to start producing our own rice. This way, we can reduce imports.”

       Mary said she hoped Marcos Jr will keep his word to building homes for the poor.

       “He pledged housing projects for the poor and also to provide free land to farmers. We will wait, but I know that he will do it,” she said.

       Her younger sister, Karina, 38, who expressed similar sentiments, also wanted firms to hire more Filipinos aged 30 and above.

       Despite holding a Secondary Education majoring in Physical Education, she said she had no choice but to take up work as a domestic helper here in 2019 due to the lack of jobs back home.

       “I got goosebumps when I heard that Marcos Jr had won. I can feel how much he loves the Filipino people, you can see it, especially during hard times.

       “For example when our country was hit by natural disasters, he was there to help without any publicity.

       “I know he will be able to prove that the people have made the right choice,” said Karina.

       Elfa Magarzo, a domestic helper here, pleaded for help for Filipino farmers.

       “If that can be done, there will be no empty tables for the poor. If there is no hunger, I’m sure there will be no criminals and no robberies.

       “I also hope the new president and vice-president will do their utmost to help unite the people,” said Elfa, who is from South Cotabato in Mindanao.

       Caregiver Grace De La Cruz Mercado, 34, was pleased with the result, saying she and her three children were looking forward to a brighter future.

       “When Marcos Jr decided to run for election, we supported him because we know that he has a heart for the poor,” she added.