Marcos fetes outstanding OFWs, groups

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. recognized Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and organizations who have excelled in their respective fields and contributed to the progress of their host nations and the Philippines during the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).

Marcos lauded 13 individuals and organizations under four categories: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Pamana ng Pilipino, Banaag awardees, and Kaanib ng Bayan.

He noted that world leaders speak highly of Filipinos during his foreign trips.

“The Filipino’s competence, our work ethic, and genuine care for other people make us a truly remarkable race,” he said during the event.

“We are truly proud to be Filipino and to be recognized for our contributions not only to our own country but to humanity,” he added.

Two Filipinos and two organizations received the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino awards: Leo-Felix Jurado from Lasam, Cagayan, and the United States of America, and Emilio Quines Jr., who hails from Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, and is also residing in the U.S.; the Philippine Nurses Association of New York (PNANY), USA, and The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation Inc., USA.

Pamana ng Pilipino awardees included Larry Caramba from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, who is in Saudi Arabia; Jane Gerardo-Abaya from Kalibo, Aklan, now in Austria; Roberto Eusebio Lavides from Gumaca, Quezon, living in Canada; and Melvin Sanicas from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, living in Switzerland.

Three individuals received the Banaag award: Elvy Barroso, from Ligao City, Albay; Zita Cabais from Bani, Pangasinan; and Elvira dela Cruz from Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, who now reside in the U.S., France, and Morocco, respectively.

Two foreign nationals were also recognized as Kaanib ng Bayan: Bader Ahmed Al Zafeen, a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, and Victor Gaina from Moldova.

Marcos noted that the awardees have “triumphantly excelled” in their endeavors despite the challenges and sacrifices of being away from their homes.

“Your stories continue to inspire us to make a difference and to rise above whatever adversity we face. Thank you for your heroism and your abilities, which brought honor to our country, our countrymen, and the Republic of the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive shared that the administration is reviewing reforms in governance and economic development and their implementation.

“Our dream is to, one day, make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity,” Marcos stressed.

However, in a globalized world, talents will continue to move across borders, according to Marcos.

With this, Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the rights and well-being of OFWs and their families are safeguarded at all times.

Additionally, the Philippines is strengthening labor agreements with other countries and conducting an aggressive campaign against illegal recruitment and trafficking, including the mobilization of the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) na Nangangailangan Fund, or AKSYON Fund, which provides assistance to migrant Filipino workers in need of legal, medical, financial, and repatriation support.

“Our embassies and consulates abroad remain vigilant in looking after our people wherever they may be in the world,” Marcos said. “We maintain amity and cooperation with every nation-state that graciously welcomes and hosts Filipinos in their homelands.”

Marcos also called on other Filipinos to emulate the “spirited resolve” of the awardees in their respective journeys and to continue contributing to the overall progress.