WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy recently celebrated Migrant Workers Day in a day-long event with members of the Filipino community from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Consistent with the theme “OFW: Saan Mang Panig ng Mundo, Galing at Katatagan Mo’y Hinahangaan,” video messages of the Administrator Arnel Ignacio of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Secretary Susan Ople of the Department of Migrant Workers, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were conveyed, emphasizing the huge contributions made by the Overseas Filipino Workers in nation-building and reiterating the continued support of the Philippine government for their welfare. Moreover, Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas called on the leaders and members of the Filipino community to work together in harmony to achieve higher goals for the community.
A financial literacy seminar was conducted by tax and investment expert Raymond Abrea to present to OFWs several investment opportunities in the Philippines, which could grow their hard-earned money.
On-site services and virtual consultation were set-up with representatives of the Social Security System, Pag-Ibig, Overseas Filipino Bank, Migrant Workers Office-Washington DC, and the Philippine Embassy, including the Overseas Voters Registration Unit.
The OFW Got Talent singing competition and performances of local talents Raina Chan and D’ Neis Siblings provided entertainment throughout the day. Consul General Arribas, Assistant Labor Attache Marie Josephine Borromeo and Ms. Grace Valera of the Global Migrant Heritage Foundation served as judges and declared Bernadette Gray, Tony Boy Velasco, and Rosie Conde as the major winners of the singing competition.
The fun-filled event was organized by the Philippine Embassy’s Migrant Workers Office-OWWA Washington DC under the stewardship of Labor Attache Saul de Vries and Welfare Officer Mae Codilla, ably assisted by volunteers from the Association of International Dynamic Educators, Inc (AIDE), an organization of U.S.-based Filipino teachers.
(PH Embassy Release)
