A former domestic worker from Mati City has been named this year’s winner of the Model OFW Family award of the Year Award (MOFYA) 2017 land based category.
The winner, Radiya Bergando Mustapa from Bobon, Mati City Davao Oriental and a domestic worker at the Kingdome of Saudi Arabia for 20 years will represent the region in the national search for a MOFYA.
I felt home sick but I had to support my family. They are my inspiration during those hard times,” said Mustapa.
She said was very grateful to Allah for giving her the award and that she never expected this to happen. “Honestly I am really happy that our President is Duterte, because I can see that under his government the OFWs issues are being addressed. “said Bobon in the vernacular.
The winner for the Sea-based category is Engr. Remegildo Mamom Banderado from Lanang, Davao City who was represented by his wife, Del Celis, since he is still overseas.
He is a chief engineer on a ship travelling overseas. His wife said she was thankful that God continues to help her in guiding their children. “All I can say is that thank you, I was not expecting that we will win and now I will continue to do my best for our family and I will share my knowledge to my children,” she said. .
This event is designed to give recognition to outstanding OFW Families and to promote best practices in achieving optimal success in all aspects of life in the face of overseas migration of one or more members of the household.
“ There are very inspiring stories, yung mga struggles and at the same time nag succeed and at the same time nag succeed and at the same time has kept the family intact despite the separation,” said Eduardo E. Bellido, Regional Director Regional Welfare Office XI. The cash prizes for the regional winners will be awarded during national awards on November 2017 in the PICC Plenary Hall in Manila.
The Regional awarding for the Model OFW Family award of the Year Award (MOFYA) 2017 was held August 25 at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites. This event was organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Regional Welfare Office XI.
Seven families are nominated for the title. These are the other nominees; Rustica Lambojon Espina from Tandang Sora St. Kiblawan, Davao de sur. She was a domestic worker in Hong Kong. Perlita Carandang San Juan from Catalunan Grande Davao City. She was a Domestic Worker in Hong Kong. Norjam Diasemen Suarez from mati city. She was a domestic worker fin Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For the Sea based category are Seafarer Hernando Baquerfo Evangelio from Doña Vicente Village, Davao City. He is a Master mariner assigned worldwide. Capt. Jaime Posas Soria from Poblacion Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur. “Model OFW Famiy Award is a vehicle implemented by OWWA last 2002,” said Bellido.
These families were nominated by registered NGOs, people’s organizations, religious organizations, community-based socio-civic organizations/ Associations and OFW Family Circle Associations who have known them for their capability and potentials. The members of the Selection and Screening Committee are Vice- chairperson of the Selecion & screening Committee President Chairperson Reymundo Agravanta, Evelyn R. Ramos Ast. Regional Director of DOLE 11 Regional Director of Department of Labor and Employment Region 11 Vice Chairperson Eduardo E. Bellido Regional Director OWWA Region 11, Representative for the seabased sector Edwin Lorenzo F. Eusebio College President DMMA College of Southern Philippines, Representative for the land based sector Windy Superio- Rosal Representative of Asociaion of Recruitment Agencies in Davao City, for the Non- Government sector Irish D. Jusay community Development Officer Mindanao Migrants center for empowering Actions Inc.,Representative for the Faith based sector Espie Chinel Aparis, Member of Archdiosean Council of Lay Apostolate & Integrated Movement (ACLAIM), Representative OFW sector Myrna O. Padilla Founder and CEO of OFW Watch Dynamic Team inc. and Gregorio A. Calamba Administrative Officer Brgy. Talomo.
The nominees were properly screened, evaluated and validated by the members of the Selection and Screening Committee based on family wholesomeness, their achievements, and community involvement, success in children’s education and success in managing family finances. The process of choosing a winner takes some time because this has to be studied and evaluated carefully.
