Three lucky OFWs get P300K each in gifts, warm welcome from PNoy at NAIA



By: Eric B. Apolonio, InterAksyon.com
December 20, 2012 6:06 PM

President Aquino and Labor Secretary Baldoz personally welcome OFWs at NAIA 1. ERIC APOLONIO, INTERAKSYON.COM
InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines - Three lucky OFW returnees from Middle East who are spending their holidays in the country were caught by surprise Thursday when told they are the lucky passengers who will get cash and gift certificates, valued at around P300,000, from President Benigno Aquino lll.

The awarding was part of the 19th celebration of the government program “Pamaskong Handog sa OFW” organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). To the delight of hundreds of OFWs and their families, President led well wishers at the west arrival concourse at the NAIA Terminal 1.

The three lucky OFWs are Virginia Tulagan Miranda, household service worker for almost two years in Dubai and earning $400 monthly; Mary Grace Arcebuche, beautician in Doha, Qatar for two years earning $824 a month; and Romeo Ocampo, a chassis welder in Qatar for two years, earning a monthly salary of $686.00.

Each of them received P100,000 cash gift from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, $2,000 worth of gift certificate from Duty Free Philippines, P50,000 cash gift in savings from Banco de Oro, P36,500 worth of gift certificates from Shoemart, P30,000 cash gift from Land Bank and P16,500 worth of gift certificates from DHL Express.

Assisting President Aquino in awarding the winners were DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon, Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, Duty Free Philippines CEO Lorenzo Formoso, NAIA collector Atty. Ding So and MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado.

The “Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs” is a red-carpet, hassle-free welcome program for vacationing OFWs, manifesting the government’s tribute to the heroism of OFWs, many of whom come home during Christmastime to be with their families.

This year’s theme,”Parangal at Serbisyo sa OFW, Hatid Natin Ngayong Pasko,” depicts the Filipino culture of close family ties especially during the happiest time of the year, OWWA Administrator Dimzon said.

The “Pamaskong Handog Para sa OFWs” is a month-long activity launched in 1993 by DOLE and implemented by OWWA, along with POEA, TESDA and other agencies under the helm of Labor Department. 

Also part of the month-long program is the just concluded selection of the 2012 OFW Model Family of the Year and OFW Family Day, among others.

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