OWWA spearheaded a nationwide celebration of the Migrant Workers Day
last June 7,2008 lauding the courage, perseverence and patriotism of our millions of OFWs in many parts of the globe.
The grand event that was held simultaneously in seventeen regions is a moving tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who put up with all sorts of hardships to make money for the loved ones they’ve left in the Philippines. It is the government’s way of giving recognition to the real gem of the nation who have kept the economy afloat. The OFWs, considered treasures by the Arroyo administration, through OWWA’s program and services and protection it provides, were honored this Migrant Workers Day.
The OWWA Float
In Metro Manila, the day kicked off with the assembly of around 10,000 OFWs and their families representing Caloocan, Malabon-Navotas, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, Pasay, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig, Quezon City, Manila, Pasig and Marikina. Each city paraded their dazzling floats and costumes showcasing the various OFW sectors. The parade, accompanied by four groups of drum and bugle corps, started from the Liwasang Ulalim at the CCP Complex to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, where the whole-day programme was held.
Secretary Roque delivering his message to NCR based OFWs and their Families
At the Rizal Coliseum, OFW families were greeted with a festive atmosphere and freebies such as wellness services from the Ricky Reyes Learning Center and the Natural Health Foundation of the Philippines. Likewise, there were merchandising activities participated in by the corporate sponsors Duty Free Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Western Union, Astra Extreme Magic Sing, Unilab, Inc., PhilamLife, Banco de Oro and OWWA’s major sponsor for the event, Globe Telecom. The showcase of products by the Navotas OFW Family Circle (OFC) in line with their successful OFW Groceria Project has projected an upbeat image to the OFCs’ livelihood projects.
Lots of food and numerous raffle prizes were given away including cellular phones and cellcard loads from Globe Telecom, who has been actively supportive of the OFW events. Grocery items and major home appliances from OWWA Western Union, as well as gift items from BDO, PhilamLife, BPI and Duty Free were given away. Unilab offered discounts on medicine packages while Extreme Magic Sing gave special prizes from the Extreme Magic Sing videoke contest.
Induction of Officers of NCR OFW Family Circle
During the program, Secretary Roque inducted the new officers of the NCR OFW Family Circle (OFC) Federation, Inc., a coalition of all OFCs in Metro Manila with a representation from each city.
The Araw ng Pasasalamat also recognized a number of successful OFWs and OFW families. First to be awarded is the Most Senior Surviving OFW, former seafarer Amador San Jose Javier, who at 95 years old, looked very dapper in his Barong Tagalog as he received his plaque from OWWA and cash prize from Globe Telecom.
The next major award given was the Outstanding OFW Groceria Project. The OFW Association of Barangay 177 Zone 18, Pasay City successfully managed their OFW Groceria Project loan which was awarded in 2005 as part of the OWWA Reintegration Program. Because the OFW Association of Barangay 177 Zone 18 members had successfully repaid their loan in full upon maturity, they received a plaque of recognition from OWWA and one of OWWA’s partner, Duty Free Philippines, awarded them with a brand new Whirlpool chest-type freezer for their business.
Secretary Roque awarding NCR Oldest OFW, 95-year old Amador Javier
Another set of awards were given to two (2) land-based and two (2) sea-based OFWs for their outstanding achievements in their line of work and who are active in community undertakings. The land-based OFWs were Teofilo V. Diego of Las Piñas City and Ignacio D. Banadera of Muntinlupa City. Meanwhile, the sea-based winners were Ricardo V. Balasa and Rex A. Allin. Cash prizes from Globe Telecom and Plaques were given to the awardees.
Aside from recognition awards, OWWA also took the opportunity to reach out to OFWs who have succumbed to major ailments and financial hurdles and granted assistance packages for support. Of the three (3) former OFWs, two (2), Ernesto Aguilar, Arturo S. Iman, have been stricken with colon cancer while Johnny B. Babiera is a stroke victim. All of them have since been in pursuit of better health. OWWA recognizes that the Araw ng Pasasalamat would be more rewarding if the agency can not only bring joy, but hope and aid as well.
The day’s highlight was the competitions among the cities of OFW families. The OFCs themselves performed with pride to the audience’s delight. They have agreed earlier that instead of being treated to live showbiz entertainment, they would prefer doing their own presentations. They came up with their production numbers representing the five major industries in overseas Filipino employment (household service workers, entertainers, construction workers, health workers and seafarers) and vied for special awards and cash prizes from OWWA. OWWA News
The vibrant performances (skits and interpretative dances) by the OFCs were so touching as it depicted the very core of their lives, the different experiences of being away from their loved ones. Interestingly, each group obviously prepared and performed with enthusiasm. Undoubtedly, the viewers have empathized with the rich tales presented, thus raving and cheering for more. The amazing part of the program was the fervor displayed by each OFC- performers in their production numbers.
Weeks prior to the celebration, a series of competitions were conducted in their respective communities that enhanced their camaraderie, thus coming out with the best skit and best interpretative dance, best in float and best costume parade. All seventeen regions nationwide held the same activities simultaneously and were given prominence with the presence of various local government officials and personalities. This remarkable event is a first of a kind in the Philippines.
It is just fitting that the valuable contribution of the OFWs to the betterment of the Filipino people and the country was highlighted on the 13th Migrant Workers Day celebration.
As OWWA’s gesture from a grateful nation, the agency vows to continue to protect and safeguard the interest and welfare of the OFWs and their families, the very precious gems in our midst.
The grand event that was held simultaneously in seventeen regions is a moving tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who put up with all sorts of hardships to make money for the loved ones they’ve left in the Philippines. It is the government’s way of giving recognition to the real gem of the nation who have kept the economy afloat. The OFWs, considered treasures by the Arroyo administration, through OWWA’s program and services and protection it provides, were honored this Migrant Workers Day.
The OWWA Float
In Metro Manila, the day kicked off with the assembly of around 10,000 OFWs and their families representing Caloocan, Malabon-Navotas, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, Pasay, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig, Quezon City, Manila, Pasig and Marikina. Each city paraded their dazzling floats and costumes showcasing the various OFW sectors. The parade, accompanied by four groups of drum and bugle corps, started from the Liwasang Ulalim at the CCP Complex to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, where the whole-day programme was held.
Secretary Roque delivering his message to NCR based OFWs and their Families
At the Rizal Coliseum, OFW families were greeted with a festive atmosphere and freebies such as wellness services from the Ricky Reyes Learning Center and the Natural Health Foundation of the Philippines. Likewise, there were merchandising activities participated in by the corporate sponsors Duty Free Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Western Union, Astra Extreme Magic Sing, Unilab, Inc., PhilamLife, Banco de Oro and OWWA’s major sponsor for the event, Globe Telecom. The showcase of products by the Navotas OFW Family Circle (OFC) in line with their successful OFW Groceria Project has projected an upbeat image to the OFCs’ livelihood projects.
Lots of food and numerous raffle prizes were given away including cellular phones and cellcard loads from Globe Telecom, who has been actively supportive of the OFW events. Grocery items and major home appliances from OWWA Western Union, as well as gift items from BDO, PhilamLife, BPI and Duty Free were given away. Unilab offered discounts on medicine packages while Extreme Magic Sing gave special prizes from the Extreme Magic Sing videoke contest.
Induction of Officers of NCR OFW Family Circle
During the program, Secretary Roque inducted the new officers of the NCR OFW Family Circle (OFC) Federation, Inc., a coalition of all OFCs in Metro Manila with a representation from each city.
The Araw ng Pasasalamat also recognized a number of successful OFWs and OFW families. First to be awarded is the Most Senior Surviving OFW, former seafarer Amador San Jose Javier, who at 95 years old, looked very dapper in his Barong Tagalog as he received his plaque from OWWA and cash prize from Globe Telecom.
The next major award given was the Outstanding OFW Groceria Project. The OFW Association of Barangay 177 Zone 18, Pasay City successfully managed their OFW Groceria Project loan which was awarded in 2005 as part of the OWWA Reintegration Program. Because the OFW Association of Barangay 177 Zone 18 members had successfully repaid their loan in full upon maturity, they received a plaque of recognition from OWWA and one of OWWA’s partner, Duty Free Philippines, awarded them with a brand new Whirlpool chest-type freezer for their business.
Secretary Roque awarding NCR Oldest OFW, 95-year old Amador Javier
Another set of awards were given to two (2) land-based and two (2) sea-based OFWs for their outstanding achievements in their line of work and who are active in community undertakings. The land-based OFWs were Teofilo V. Diego of Las Piñas City and Ignacio D. Banadera of Muntinlupa City. Meanwhile, the sea-based winners were Ricardo V. Balasa and Rex A. Allin. Cash prizes from Globe Telecom and Plaques were given to the awardees.
Aside from recognition awards, OWWA also took the opportunity to reach out to OFWs who have succumbed to major ailments and financial hurdles and granted assistance packages for support. Of the three (3) former OFWs, two (2), Ernesto Aguilar, Arturo S. Iman, have been stricken with colon cancer while Johnny B. Babiera is a stroke victim. All of them have since been in pursuit of better health. OWWA recognizes that the Araw ng Pasasalamat would be more rewarding if the agency can not only bring joy, but hope and aid as well.
The day’s highlight was the competitions among the cities of OFW families. The OFCs themselves performed with pride to the audience’s delight. They have agreed earlier that instead of being treated to live showbiz entertainment, they would prefer doing their own presentations. They came up with their production numbers representing the five major industries in overseas Filipino employment (household service workers, entertainers, construction workers, health workers and seafarers) and vied for special awards and cash prizes from OWWA. OWWA News
The vibrant performances (skits and interpretative dances) by the OFCs were so touching as it depicted the very core of their lives, the different experiences of being away from their loved ones. Interestingly, each group obviously prepared and performed with enthusiasm. Undoubtedly, the viewers have empathized with the rich tales presented, thus raving and cheering for more. The amazing part of the program was the fervor displayed by each OFC- performers in their production numbers.
Weeks prior to the celebration, a series of competitions were conducted in their respective communities that enhanced their camaraderie, thus coming out with the best skit and best interpretative dance, best in float and best costume parade. All seventeen regions nationwide held the same activities simultaneously and were given prominence with the presence of various local government officials and personalities. This remarkable event is a first of a kind in the Philippines.
It is just fitting that the valuable contribution of the OFWs to the betterment of the Filipino people and the country was highlighted on the 13th Migrant Workers Day celebration.
As OWWA’s gesture from a grateful nation, the agency vows to continue to protect and safeguard the interest and welfare of the OFWs and their families, the very precious gems in our midst.
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