TACLOBAN CITY- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – Regional Welfare Office VIII held its annual Migrant Workers Day on June 7, 2014 at the People’s Center, this city wherein over 500 guests and participants came and actively joined the lined up activities. This year’s Migrant Workers’ Day is celebrated with the theme “Megranteng Pilipino…Magkasangga Tayo sa Kapakanan, Kabuhayan, at Kalusugan Mo.” The celebration started with a zumba dance workout, followed by a Eucharistic Celebration. OWWA was more than thankful for the support of DOLE RO 8, TESDA, POEA, NLRC, and other attached agencies. The message OWWA–OIC Josefino I. Torres was delivered by the OWWA RWO 8 Regional Director Norma C. Del Rosario; while Atty. Roy Buenafe on behalf of the DOLE RO 8 Regional Director Exequiel R. Saucarga, delivered the message of the DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldos. POEA Rose Jervoso prepared and aired a video presentation “Maging Matalino, Huwag Magpaloko”. A forum “Moving On” was conducted by the head of the Protective Services Unit of DSWD RO 8 Nilda Oliva who encouraged everyone to strive hard after having been devastated by the typhoon Yolanda. According to her, “Challenges are normal. Never give up, just keep going, just keep trying and everything will be alright.” OWWA commended the PESO managers/OFW help desk officers of various municipalities for supporting the cash-for- work program. ALOBO or the Alang-Alang, Leyte OFW and Beneficiaries Organization was also recognized for being chosen as the “adopted town” of the OWWA Caraga Regional Coordinating Council, the award was received by the PESO manager and the president. EDSP (Education for Development Scholarship Program) and ODSP (OFW Dependent Scholarship Program) are two of the successful scholarship programs, and during the event two of the OWWA Scholars were given honor after graduating Cum Laude. They are Jelly Ane Diamante who graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the St. Joseph College; and Barbara H. Dalimoos who graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the Southern Leyte State University. Both received a Certificate and Cash Gifts from OWWA Central Office. The participants went home with packs of groceries, and shirts given-away by OWWA. (PR)
