Camille Villar on Sunday feted overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan and awarded a house and lot to a teacher from Camarines Sur during the “Paskong Pinoy 2024: Piyesta, Musika at Kultura” Christmas gathering organized by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

The event brought together over 3,000 overseas Filipinos from Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung at the Zhong Mei Tang Gym of the Fu Jen Catholic University in New Taipei City.

In a short inspirational remark, Villar said: “Isang karangalan po para sa akin ang makasama kayo ngayon. Gusto ko pong ipaalala sa inyo na hindi ko kayo kalilimutan. Lahat ng pangangailangan niyo ay inaalala ko. Lapitan niyo lamang po ako, at handa po akong tumulong sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya.”

She said her parents — former Senate President Manny Villar and incumbent Sen. Cynthia Villar — have always reminded her to care for the welfare of overseas Filipino workers “dahil kayo talaga ang tunay na mga bayani ng ating bansa.”

Villar also acknowledged the contributions of OFWs to the country: “Taas po ang kamay ko sa inyong pagmamahal sa inyong mga pamilya, at sa inyong walang sawang pagtataguyod sa kanila, na kahit po malayo kayo sa kanila ay nandito pa din kayo ngayon, lumalaban at nagtataguyod para sa kinabukasan ng inyong pamilya at mahal sa buhay. Saludo po ako sa inyong lahat!”

She said that the Filipino community in Taiwan brings honor to the country whether as professionals, workers, or students. “You have brought honor to our country through your dedication, hard work and perseverance wherever you are in the world. You embody the values of sipag at tiyaga, the same values that my parents taught me, and for that, I understand all your struggles and I am so deeply proud of all of you," she added.

Villar likewise recognized the efforts of MECO chairperson and resident representative Cheloy Garafil for organizing the gathering, which she said "captures the very essence of who we are as a people."

“Today, we showcase not only our rich heritage but also our innate strength and ability to adapt and flourish in any environment. These celebrations are markers of our identity and reminders of our indomitable spirit,” she said, adding: “Thank you for being the light and strength of the Filipino community here in Taiwan.”

Following her remarks, Camille Villar drew the winning number for the top prize - a house and lot courtesy of Vista Land.

Twenty six-year-old Angelica Consulta Abellano, who is working as a teacher in Taiwan, was the lucky winner of the grand prize.

Abellano lives with her parents in a house owned by a relative. She had planned on buying the property, but did not pursue the acquisition after finding out that it had no land title.

Abellano has only been working in Taiwan for one year. Before going to Taiwan, she worked as a teacher in her hometown in Tinambac, Camarines Sur. She decided to work abroad to earn and save money so she can buy a house for her parents.

Villar congratulated Abellano, assuring her and all Filipinos in the event: “Asahan niyo pong nandito lamang kami, ang Villar family na lagi pong nakasuporta sa inyo. We will always be behind you to support your endeavors. Nasa likod niyo lang po kami sa pagtataguyod niyo ng inyong mga pangarap para sa inyong pamilya at mahal sa buhay.”