Manila  - Remittances from overseas Filipinos posted a better-than-expected 13.7-per-cent growth in 2008 despite the worsening global economic crisis, the government said Monday.

Central bank Governor Amando Tetangco said remittances totaled 16.42 billion dollars in 2008, slightly higher than the bank's forecast of 16.3 billion dollars for the whole year.

Remittances in 2007 were 14.44 billion dollars, Tetangco said.

"Amidst the challenges posed by the global financial market strains and the economic downturn experienced by host countries, remittances from overseas Filipinos remain a dependable source of foreign exchange for the economy," he said.

Tetangco noted a sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers worldwide despite the economic downturn.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and senior government officials have been working aggressively to seek new employment opportunities for Filipino workers abroad, including in high-risk countries like Iraq and Nigeria.

Remittances from overseas Filipinos accounts for at least 10 per cent of the country's gross domestic product. (dpa)