San Fernando City,
La Union—The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office I
(OWWA RWOI) recently concluded the regional selection and awarding of the 2019
Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) wherein two families were named as
this year’s Region 1 Model OFW Families. The awarding ceremony took place on
October 3, 2019 in this city.
During the awarding ceremony the family of OFW Pacita
Calano Gorgonio of Dingras, Ilocos Norte for the land-based category while OFW
Rey Gerdan Biteng and Family of Sta. Cruz Ilocos Sur for the sea-based, were
declared as winners. Both families will be representing Ilocos Region in the
MOFYA National Awarding to be held on December 5, 2019 at the Malacañang
Palace.
A total of five families were nominated for this year’s
regional MOFYA, three for the land-based category and two for the sea-based
category. Aside from the two winners, the other nominees were Jeffrey Dungca
Javier and Family of Bangar, La Union who was awarded and commended for Civic
and Social Involvement; Sandy Pande Santos and Family of Balungao, Pangasinan,
recipient of the commendation on Entrepreneurship; and Jaime Florida Gallegos,
Jr. and Family of Dingras, Ilocos Norte, awarded with the commendation on
Family Solidarity.
On September 24, 2019, the Regional Screening and
Selection Committee (RSSC) underwent judging and deliberation on the nominated
families based on the wholesomeness and solidarity of the family, excellence in
education and profession, business and financial management and civic and
community involvement.
The RSSC is composed of Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Regional Office 1 Assistant Regional Director Honorina Dian Baga, who served as
the committee chairperson; members are: OWWA’s OIC-Director Gerardo C. Rimorin
Sr.; Maria Estela V. Altea, SJBP of the Diocesan Ministry for Pastoral Care of
Migrants and Itinerant People (DMMI); Engr. Robert L. Ranchez, 2015 MOFYA
National Winner Land-Based Category; and Dr. Aida A. Cuanang, 2018 MOFYA
National Winner Sea-Based Category.
During the event, Ms. Baga represented DOLE Regional
Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra. In her message, she highlighted the strengths
of each nominated family based I the MOFYA’s criteria. She congratulated all of
them because they are deserved to be called Model OFW Families.
On the other hand, two previous MOFYA national winners,
Engr. Ranchez and spouses Master Mariner and Dr. Cuanang shared their
experiences after they were hailed national winners. Their stories served as a
challenge for the families to be a role models and pride of their respective
communities with or without the title.
Over all, the event was successful and OWWA RWOI hopes to
bring home another National Award for this year’s MOFYA.
MOFYA is an annual institutional event of OWWA that
envisions to share success stories about OFW families which highlight
resiliency and strength of character amidst the challenges of overseas
employment thus uplifting the OFW image to the community; and, to highlight the
role of OFW family acting as one body in attaining socio-economic, educational,
professional and material success.
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