The 2014 OFW Family Day, one of the most awaited institutional events of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), was celebrated on December 14, 2014 at the Jose Aspiras Hall of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU- SLUC) in Agoo La Union.
The event was participated in
by a total of 1,197 participants comprising of 233 delegates from Ilocos Norte,
62 delegates from Ilocos Sur, 404 delegates from La Union, 448 delegates from
Pangasinan and 50 guests consisting of MOFYA Regional Winners for the past ten
years, partner- agencies, sponsors, member of the media and the DOLE- Regional
Coordinating Council.
This institutional activity
is part of the government’s effort to recognize the OFWs’ fortitude in
conquering the dilemma of being temporarily separated from their families as a
consequence of overseas migration. This event is an opportunity for OFWs, their
families and other OFW families to gather together this Christmas season and
spend quality time as they strengthen their ties and foster amity with one
another. It is also a venue for fun,
games, raffle draws, and contests showcasing the talents of the OFWs.
The theme for this year’s
celebration is “Ang Pasko ay kay saya,
kapag pamilyang OFW ay sama-sama!”. The staff of OWWA Regional Welfare
Office 1 (RWO1) came up with the fiesta type/ county fair concept in
celebrating the said event.
That’s My Tomboy, Mr. Pogay
The event started with a parade within the vicinity of Agoo,
La Union Town Proper participated by the OWWA Staff, Migrant Desk Officers
(MDOs), members of the OFW Family Circle (OFC) Regional Council, OWWA Scholars
and the delegates from the four provinces in Region 1. The parade was graced by
the Drum and Lyre Corps of Agoo East Central School. The highlight of the event
were the Street Dancing Competition and the Search for That’s My Tomboy and Mr.
Pogay. Each province has their own representatives on the contests. The
province of La Union won in the Street Dancing Competition and That’s My Tomboy
while the Province of Ilocos Norte emerged victorious in the search for Mr.
Pogay.
Trade fair
There was also a trade fair where various products from the
four provinces of Region 1 were displayed and sold. There was also a food fair
where foodstuff were given free to the participants. Free Face-paint and
massage were given to participants within the first three hours of the event.
Partner government agencies
Partner government agencies like SSS, Pag-Ibig Fund, PhilHealth,
LBP La Union and NRCO and Philippine Red Cross were also given their respective
tables so they could also extend their respective programs and services to OFWs
and their families. They also gave freebies and give-aways to lucky
participants. The City Government of Dagupan, Pangasinan has likewise donated
raffle prizes. Donors from private institutions like the AXA Philippines,
Herbalife, Global Pinoy Center, SM City Rosales, Metrobank, BPI and Barista
Choi were also present during the event and extended their support through
various freebies and raffle prizes. Smart Communications, OWWA’s partner in
this event has generously offered its full cooperation in making this event
possible including the provision of additional prizes to the winners of the
contests.
Model OFW families
As part of the celebration, OWWA RWO1 also prepared a
Tribute to its Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) Regional winners. The
Regional Winners were given a Certificate of Appreciation. Engineer Rolando
Almonte, 2008 MOFYA Regional Winner, who passed away last October 2014 was also
conferred a Posthumous Award. The previous MOFYA Regional Winners like Engineer
Alberto Calsada, Capt. Manolo Gacutan, Mr. Segundino Revita, Engineer Orlando
Bartolome, Mr. Manuel Cabrera, Mr. Larry Campos and Chief Engineer Alberto
Balbalan also expressed their support to the event through sponsorships.
Games, raffle
Benefactors, partners and stakeholders who supported the activity
and who unceasingly contributes in the advancement of the welfare of OFWs and
their Families were also given recognition.
Max’s and Greenwich also gave
parlor games for the children while OWWA prepared games for the adults. All the
participants in the games were given prizes.
Numerous raffle prizes coming
from sponsors and from OWWA were also given away to lucky participants in the
event. The Grand Prize in the raffle is an Ipad Mini from OWWA and was won by a
lucky delegate from the Province of Pangasinan.
The 2014 OFW Family Day has
definitely given fun, joy, laughter, gifts and surprises to the OFWs and their
families through the shared efforts of OWWA, its staff and partner
institutions. (OWWA RWO1)
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