10 OFWs on spotlight in RP celebration

Filipinos in the CNMI celebrated Saturday the 2004 Philippine Migrant Workers’ Day at the Hotel Nikko’s Theater Hall, an event that showcased the awarding ceremony for this year’s “10 Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in the CNMI.”

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office also gave out certificates of completion to some 47 graduates of its skills upgrading courses.

The POLO named Saipan Tribune’s Liberty Dones as one of the recipients of the outstanding OFW award. The nine other awardees were Leo P. Canedo of Pacific Machinery Inc.; Mary Lou M. Madraso, Pacific Oriental Inc.; Romeo D. Malasarte, Pacific Daiken Co.; Cesario L. Pantaleon, Seasonal Inc.; Rolando A. Paspe, Pacific Printing Press Inc.; Anabelle A. Ramos, Ernst and Young LLP; Florencio C. Santos, Genoveva’s Hair Power; Lolita E. Velasco, Dr. Anthony Stearns; and Rosauro D. Zapanta, Office of the Public Auditor.

The awardees expressed gratitude to POLO, the Philippine Consulate General on Saipan, and the panel of judges.

“Let’s all leave our marks and become the best we can be in our work, in our relationships, in whatever we do as individuals. We all come from different backgrounds. We have different goals and aspirations in life, but one thing is clear: We Filipinos can excel in any field,” the awardees said.

Philippine labor attaché Joan Lourdes D. Lavilla described the event as a success. “It’s very meaningful because it is a celebration in honor of the excellence of the Filipino workers.”

Philippine Consul General Wilfredo Maximo also thanked employers in the CNMI for the opportunity for professional growth they have given to Filipino workers.

CNMI officials, including Labor Deputy Secretary Andrew Salas and Labor director Dean Tenorio, and Office of Insular Affairs representative Jeff Schorr graced the occasion.

Schorr noted the excellence of many Filipino workers in their respective fields of endeavor.

The POLO also gave out certificates of completion to graduates of Sewing, Beauty Culture and Advanced Peachtree Accounting courses. Dang F. Bernabe emceed the entire event.

Tribune’s Dones has spent three years of nearly a decade of journalism work in the CNMI, covering significant issues that range from education, public health, labor and immigration, tourism, among others.

Dones’ nomination got the support from community sectors, including the Life in the Son Christian Fellowship-Saipan, where she is an active leader. She also actively participates in activities by the Bicol Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in the CNMI.