17 finalists named for OWWA MOFYA 2006

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Head Office in the Philippines has announced the 17 finalists for this year’s 2006 Model OFW Family of the Year Award or MOFYA.

The annual recognition honors the sacrifices and efforts of overseas Filipino workers and their families. OWWA Administrator Marianito D. Roque said the award recognizes overseas Filipino workers and their families who have used the gains of working abroad to their best advantage.

MOFYA recognizes the results of the success of the OFWs’ families in terms of enterprise development and generation of employment opportunities as they optimize the gains of migration.

“It’s a testament to their achievements,” Roque said. “We know how much they had to sacrifice and how hard they had to work. It’s but right to acknowledge them.”

The 17 finalists, gathered from across the country, were chosen from among 75 entries. They are:

– Dela Cruz, Antonio T. and family, National Capital Region;

– Marrero, Agnes Letecia B. and family, Cordillera Administrative Region;

– Campos, Larry G. and family, Region 1;

– Dayag, Eugenio P. and family, Region 2;

– Trinidad, Antonio L. and family, Region 3;

– Punay, Myrna S. and family, Region 4-A;

– Dino, Fortunato A. and family, Region 4-B;

– Ala, Edwin D. and family, Region 5;

– Caayon, Melchor G. and family, Region 6;

– Sandalo, Oliver A. and family, Region 7;

– Marquez, Teresito C. and family, Region 8;

– Jajurie, Kagim H. and family, Region 9;

– Doromal, Glen DC. and family, Region 10;

– Balan, Jose T. Jr. and family, Region 11;

– Tabasa, Benjamin A. and family, Region 12;

– Langkuno, Abdulkarim T. and family, ARMM; and

– Jayoma, Salvador B. and family, Caraga.

OWWA said the three of the finalists would be chosen as national champions representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each national champion will receive a house and lot, a trophy, a mobile phone, a personal computer set, Php 10,000 worth of Philam Bond, Php 100,000 Philamlife Personal Accident Insurance for two family members and Php 5,000 worth of livelihood package.

The regional winners will receive a trophy, Php10,000 cash and an all-expense paid trip to Manila for three family members.

Roque said, “It is important for us to show our gratitude to our OFWs because they sacrifice so much to provide a better quality of life for their families.”

He added that the panel had a hard time choosing the finalists because they are all deserving of the recognition. The nomination and selection for the awards start at the regional level with the panel of judges composed of the regional directors of OWWA and representatives from each land-based industry sector, sea-based and religious group.

Those nominated to the MOFYA are families with either a land-based or sea-based OFW as its head, and meet the following criteria: head of family has at least four years of experience as OFW; known as a solid and stable family in the locality; has at least a child who finished college; has managed family finances well, resulting in savings; and currently enjoying a comfortable life with sustained income from investments or any legitimate entrepreneurial activity.

The awarding ceremonies will be held on Nov. 29, 2006, from 9am at the Landbank Auditorium, Landbank Plaza in Manila.

The MOFYA is hosted by OWWA with the assistance of majors sponsors such as Globe Telecom, which is giving the 333 houses and lots; the Pinoy Pamilya Club Hotel & Restaurant, where the finalists will be billeted; Philamlife; Sunlife; and Microsoft Philippines.