Thousands of OFWs and their Families Joined the OFW Family Day Celebration in Davao City
More than one thousand (1,000) OFWs and their families joined the celebration of the OFW Family Day last December 20, 2014 held at the Kadayawan Hall of NCCC Mall, Matina, Davao City. Members and non-members of OFW Family Circles from Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Davao del Norte attended the said celebration. With this year’s theme, “Ang Pasko ay kay saya, kapag pamilyang OFW ay sama-sama!”. OWWA aims to make this gathering a joyful and meaningful celebration.
OWWA XI OIC-Regional Director Eduardo E. Bellido welcomed guests and all participating members of the OFW Family Circles who travelled from Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte to join the event. Honored guests during the celebration were Mr. Gary Angelo Medina, in behalf of Hon. Councilor Antoinette G. Principe, DOLE Asst. Regional Director Venerando C. Cebrano, and some representatives from partner agencies. Mr. Medina gave an inspirational message by reading a story of an OFW parent with great love for her children. “Parents’ love is incomparable so you should be proud of their hard work”, said Mr. Medina while ARD Cebrano encouraged all OFWs and their families to enjoy the day with other OFW families and forget any problems.
The one day affair was filled with fun, games, surprises, and array of prizes. Highlights of the celebration were carol-dance contest and raffle of cash prizes, appliances, and other gift items from OWWA and some sponsors. For the carol-dance, five (5) OFCs composed of 10-20 members/beneficiaries of Davao City and Davao del Sur participated in the contest. They performed Christmas carols with dance choreography and judged according to their vocal harmony and dynamics, costumes, props, and choreography. Participating OFW Family Circles were Brgy. Piapi 21-C, Padada OFC, Dona Asuncion OFC, Bansalan OFC, and Malalag OFC. Of the five contingents, Padada OFC won the 1st prize and received Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) in cash followed by Malalag OFC (2nd prize) who won P2,000.00, and Brgy. Piapi OFC (3rd prize) with P1,000.00 while Dona Asuncion and Bansalan OFCs received consolation prizes.
The celebration was made possible through the cooperation of major sponsors like BPI Family Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Philam Life. Amazing dance and song numbers from local artists and OFW children entertained the whole crowd.
To make the celebration worth their while, some participants availed of the free medical service, courtesy of PHILHEALTH while others availed of the free body massage rendered by the members of Brgy. J.P. Laurel Panabo OFW Family Circle. Likewise, members of the Bago Aplaya OFW Family Circle displayed their laundry products during the event.
This year’s celebration marked another success of giving tribute to our modern day heroes. Through the able support of the Public Employment Service Office and active participation of the officers and members of OFW Family Circles, the celebration was successfully held.