Model OFWs in Region 1 honored

MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Region 1 and their families who serve as role models for the whole OFW population were honored last Tuesday at the SM City Rosales in Pangasinan as part of the search for Model OFW Year Award 2010 (MOFYA).

Leading the awardees were Manuel Cabrera (land-based) and Cecilio Rahon (sea-based), regional MOFYA awardees. Special awards at the regional level were given to Rosalie Ellasus for Outstanding Achievement in Community Project, Inocencio Carganilla for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship and Benedicta Bruno and Ramil Ramilo for Leadership.

Cabrera was a public school teacher and worked as restaurant manager in London from 1975 to 1996. His wife Rosita worked as a chambermaid in England; their children are also based in London. Cabrera is now on his second term as municipal councilor of Mangaldan,   Rahon was a seaman from 1976 to 1988. From good financial investments of his earnings, he was able to start businesses in fish cage, cattle raising, rice mill and farming. His children are successful professionals.

The awardees received plaques and cash incentives.

Delmer Cruz, deputy administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and chairman of 2010 MOFYA, said the awardees were chosen on the following criteria: wholesome OFW family, including support and maintenance, sharing of responsibilities among OFW family members and psycho-social maturity of children; civic/community involvement of OFW and family; success in OFW and/or family member/s’ education or profession; and success in managing family finances.

The MOFYA 2010 is jointly undertaken by the Department of Labor and Employment and OWWA in cooperation with SM Supermalls, Banco De Oro and Globe with the theme “Para sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW.”