Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace
November 28, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recognized and expressed his admiration towards overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their invaluable contribution to the country’s economy and for showcasing the skills and talents of Filipinos to the international community as he led the awarding of the Model Overseas Filipino Workers Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace.

“I know that being apart [from] your loved ones demands great emotional endurance on your part and the families you momentarily leave behind,” said President Duterte, while also highlighting that their stories of success resonate with the Filipino community.

The President also urged the OFWs to continue to aspire for a better life, and take part in the nation-building efforts led by his government. Likewise, he vowed to strengthen the efforts on uplifting the lives of OFWs and their families.

“The government’s ultimate goal [for] OFWs is to [provide] them sustainable work and livelihood opportunities in our country so someday, somehow. This will remain as one of the top priorities of my government,” said President Duterte.

Spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the MOFYA honors the sacrifices of Filipino migrants abroad by highlighting their unsung stories of success. It puts great emphasis on the family’s educational advancement, professional success, financial stability, positive community involvement, and most importantly, maintaining family unity and solidarity amidst life’s challenges.

The Chief Executive, assisted by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, handed out the trophies to the deserving winners of the MOFYA.

Josephine Jasa and Captain Angel Abesamis, along with their families, bagged the MOFYA National Award for the land-based and sea-based categories, respectively. Engineer Wilfredo Quindoy won the Outstanding Achievement in Community Project award, while Engineer Alvin Tan won the Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship.

“Congratulations to the recipients of these awards for your accomplishments and for being an inspiration to all Filipinos, wherever you are,” President Duterte ended.

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