Davao OFWs observe migrant workers day

By Carina L Cayon

Friday 8th of June 2012

DAVAO CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- Over 1000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Davao City were treated yesterday, June 7, in a day of fun, entertainment, and skills demonstration in celebration of the Migrant Workers’ Day 2012.

Ma. Elvira Ador, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-XI) regional director, said the Migrant Workers’ Day Fair held at NCCC Mall, Davao City was a way of recognizing the significant contribution of the OFWs to the country’s economic development.

Ador told the media in yesterday's special edition of the Kapihan sa PIA at NCCC Mall that 30 government agencies, private sector, non-government organizations, and individuals joined in the celebration with the migrant workers.

She said the agencies provided services during the fair such as information and dissemination, lectures on business and livelihood opportunities, and other programs.

She cited the City Health Office to have given lectures on reproductive health and the National Statistics Office that accepted applications for birth certification during the event.

There was also an awarding of two checks to OFW beneficiaries who availed of OWWA’s “2B Livelihood Loan” OFW Reintegration Program, Ador bared.

In the afternoon program of the fair, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provided skills demonstration, while the Bank of the Philippine Island shared a short talk on financial wellness.

Ador disclosed that there have been 55,210 OFW members registered at OWWA in the region since the last five years up to the first quarter of 2012.

This year’s Migrant Workers’ Day celebration carried the theme: “Serbisyo at Oportunidad para sa OFW at Pamilyang OFW.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)