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OWWA Region 1 celebrates 2014 OFW Family Day

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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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