By Mary Jane R.
Amarado
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Regional Welfare Office No. 9 paid
tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families during the 18th anniversary
celebration of Migrant Workers Day on June 15 at Marcian Garden Convention
Center, this city.
OWWA-9 Regional Director
Hassan Jumdain said a total of 616 OFWs and their families, Institutional
partners, OFW Family Circles (OFCs) Federation, licensed recruitment agencies
in the Zamboanga Peninsula region participated in the event.
Alexander E. Asuncion,
member of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Governing
Board representing the Land-based sector, who came all the way from Metro
Manila was the guest of honor during the event. With his 32 years overseas
experience, he cited different situations encountered by our OFWs while working
abroad. Asuncion likewise underscored the importance of strengthening family
ties and the willingness to sacrifice despite the yearning to be with the
family.
Director Jumdain said one
of the highlights of the celebration was the launching of “Abot Kamay Kita,” a
song composed especially for OFWs. It sings about the pains and sadness of OFWs
while they work overseas away from their loved ones.
The song which was
composed by multi-talented songwriter/composer Vehnee Saturno was played and
viewed simultaneously in different OWWA regional offices and selected posts in
Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Another highlight was the
conduct of the jobs fair, in coordination with the POEA-9 and the Association
of Zamboanga City Recruitment Agencies
(AZCRA).
On the other hand, a
plaque of recognition was awarded to OFW Carim M. Jaupakal, an outstanding
beneficiary of the 2-Billion Reintegration Program for his entrepreneurial
skills which led to the success of his Long Life Bakery.
A plaque of recognition
was also awarded to MMML Recruitment Services, Inc. & SML Human Resources,
Inc., as Top Endorsers and Outstanding Recruitment Agencies in the region for
their support to the programs and services of OWWA specifically in compliance
to the PDOS Advisory No. 6, series of 2012.
The participants were
treated with free snacks, entertainment performances, and raffle draw prizes. A
free overseas call was provided by Globe Telecom Inc., for those who wished to
communicate with their loved ones abroad.
This year’s Migrant
Workers Day has the theme, “Migranteng Pilipino: Tayo ay Magkasama sa Pag-abot
sa Pangarap Mo.” (MJRA/OWWA9/PIA9/ALT)