Ilocos Norte, Sur families are 2019 Reg’l model OFW families

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.