Some 1,200 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their loved ones all over the Zamboanga Peninsula were met by Governor Auring E. Cerilles at the City Gym in celebration of the 13th Migrant Workers Day last June 7.

The lady governor was the keynote speaker for the occasion with whom she salute the OFWs regionwide and their families who participated in the Thanksgiving Day spearheaded for them by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-9).

This year’s nationwide Migrant Workers Day was dubbed as: “Araw ng Pasasalamat: Pagpupugay sa Kakayahan at Talino ng Expat Pinoy.” 

For the first time, OWWA-9 (with office still in Zamboanga City) held the event in Pagadian City   Muchmore, it boosted this city as the new regional center in Region 9.  The city officialdom headed by City Mayor Samuel Co commended OWWA for holding it here. which apparently pleased Governor Cerilles.

The celebration was highlighted by honoring the six Outstanding OFWs from across the region with Plaques of Recognition plus P10-T G-cash courtesy from Globe Communications.   

OWWA divided the awardees into land-based and sea-based.  For the land-based, they were: first, Engr. Arnold Gavenia, 43 (now serving as Pagadian City Councilor) who became successful after five years of working both in Saudi Arabia and Taiwan, second, Hatta Ali, 42 of Putik, Zamboanga City is a global stage performer and bread winner who have financed the education of 9 among his 15 siblings, and third, Akas Baradzar, 43, of Muricay, Pagadian City then a utility worker in Saudi Arabia, now a public school teacher. 

While the 2007 nominee for the Model OFW of the Year, Teodoro Sabate, Jr., 48 of San Jose, this city was among the 3 sea-based awardees.  Sabate out of his earnings as OFW, he sponsored 45 pupils for four years now. 

Engr. Alfonso Homecillo, 64, of Santiago, this city has retired of being an OFW with 4 professional children and now serves as Purok Adviser in his own barangay.  Another, was 48 year old Ronilo Cruz, the able seaman for 17 years but disembarked February 2008 due to heart condition.

Another two OFWs were also awarded: 75-year-old Ambrosio Rillera as the most senior surviving OFW and Nena Benigno.

Cerilles, in her message, called the OFWs as the living heroes of the country who have worked hard to give their lovedones and families a better life and contributed much to the country’s economy out of their remittances.

She said: “It is said that we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give,” the governor quoted a saying.

Other activities for the whole day include the raffle of a Kabuhayan Showcase, livelihood  and trade fairs as well as a dental outreach.

OWWA-9 as an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment has the full backing of Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom and Provincial Labor Officer Virginia Bonbon. 

Several sponsors such as Globe Communications, Jollibee, One Network Bank and many more.  (Remai S. Alejado/Zambosur Press Bureau)

Last update: 12-06-2009 06:25