Pilar OFWs join virtual Migrant Worker’s Day Activity
In celebration of the 2021 National Migrant Worker's Day, Overseas Worker's Welfare Administration (OWWA) RWO 5 conducts Migrant Worker's Day activity via zoom attended by the Migrant Workers in Bicol Region. Pilar was among the 123 virtual participants in the 6 provinces of Region V who join OWWA Bicol in paying tribute to the OFWs of their immeasurable contribution to the economy of the nation this pandemic year. Considering some restrictions, only those returning Overseas Filipino Worker's (OFWS) in Pilar Poblacion Area were the ones who attended the activity on June 7,2021 at LGU Pilar Public Information Office -Public Employment Service Office (PIO-PESO).
OWWA V OIC Mr. Henry L. Miraflor expressed his gratitude to the attendees who share their time and efforts in making the activity possible and further acknowledges the “ TIBAY at GALING” of the migrant workers . He added that despite the threats and uncertainties, the activity was made to help ease the burden of the OFWs during these challenging times., and that they are remembered, they are valued and loved.
Migrant Worker's Day is celebrated every 7th of June in commemoration of the signing into law of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 which states that, "An Act to institute the policies of Overseas employment and establish a higher standard of protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers, their families and overseas Filipinos in distress and for other purposes".
Filipino migrant workers as what the famous television travel host Anthony Bourdain said; Filipinos give, of themselves, of their time, of their money, their love, to others. They do and continue to do what needs to be done to survive.
Pilar have been taking part in OWWA’s programs and activities in the past since it started to accommodate several programs and activities like Orientation of OWWA Programs and Welfare Services, Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Person Seminar (AIR-TIP) with POEA, Techno Skills Training, OFW Family Day, Migrant Workers’ Day, Welfare Assistance Program and other welfare services for the distressed OFWs.
With the guidance and inspiration of OWWA Personnel, Pilar was able to organize ten (10) OFW Family Circle Organizations and was Federated in February 2019. To date the OFC in San Rafael Organization has been registered by DOLE and now working on their application to OWWA’s Tulong Puso Program.
Modern Day Heroes or “ Bagong Bayani” is what we had branded the OFWs, let their sacrifices be everyone’s motivation to be more appreciative of everything that we have, of having such a precious “family’, of having a “home” because their intention to leave was all because of wanting to support the family and to build a stronger home that can withstand the test of time. Joining the day especially commemorating their profound contribution to the nation’s economy and growth is our humble way of looking up to them as our HEROES. (Pilar-PIO)
