BPI honors model OFW families

MANILA, Philippines - The Bank of the Philippine Islands honors this year’s winners of the Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA), an annual program organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. BPI, together with Globe Telecom, are major sponsors of the program.

Now on its 9th year, the MOFYA recognizes overseas Filipino workers and their families who have successfully managed the impact of overseas employment and maintained strong family ties that separate them for a prolonged period of time. In addition, these overseas Filipinos have used the gains of working abroad to benefit not only their professions and their children’s education, but also their communities.

This year’s awarding ceremony was held last Dec. 9 at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex on Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City.

The first of two national awardees is Chief Engr. Alberto Laaguen Balbalan of Region I. Balbalan, winner in the sea-based OFW category, has sought to preserve Filipino tribal culture through the Ilocos Sur-based Budong Tribal Organization. He has also established a number of successful enterprises including a beach resort, drug stores, and a water refilling station.

The second winner, land-based OFW category, is Esmael M. Maulana from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. Maulana’s hard work overseas has allowed him to spend for the education of his siblings, who have since become professionals themselves, among them seafarers and a lawyer.

In her welcome remarks during the awards ceremony, OWWA administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon underscored the relevance of the MOFYA: putting forward families like those of Balbalan and Maulana as “model families (who, among other things,) have exemplified success in keeping the family together and sustaining the strong moral values of the Filipino family.”

Balbalan and Maulana, chosen from 34 awardees from the various regions across the country, were awarded a trophy, medallion and P600,000 from OWWA, BPI and Globe. A portion of the cash prize – P100,000 – be donated in their name to a charity of choice.