DOLE-OWWA GIVE RECOGNITION TO THE OUTSTANDING OFWs MARILAG AWARDS FOR 2019

In photo: Owwa Administrator and DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello III hands over cash and thropies to the chosen outstanding OFWs for the Marilag Award 2019.

DOLE -OWWA  Announces 10 Outstanding Women OFW's for the Prestigious Marilag Awards 2019
By: Ver Garcia & Teddy Cho

The audience at the Marble Hall of the Bureau of Treasury witnessed the awarding of 10 outstanding women beneficiaries of DOLE-OWWA's

OFWs were all smiling at the DOLE-OWWA MARILAG Awards 2019 held at the Marble Hall in Ayuntamiento De Manila, Intramuros, Manila.

Reintegration Programs who became the MARILAG AWARDEES. MARILAG is a Filipino term for magnificent, beautiful and splendid aptly describes the remarkable accomplishment of our women migrant workers and the women OWWA employees. In line with the celebration of National Women's Month the Bureau of Treasury together with DOLE-OWWA gives a fitting recognition to the achievements of the 10 outstanding MARILAG awardees and to future accomplishments achieved through hardwork, industry, discipline, moral integrity, social integrity and last but not the least Meritorious and exemplary accomplishment.

Undoubtedly Marilag awards 2019 aims to give recognition and amazingly emphasized the not only the OFW's but masses as well and create an awareness that various DOLE-OFW reintegration programs such as the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program, business loan program, the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBP)  and Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma'am at Sir (SPIMS).

Of the 10 OFW's awardee, three (3) were entitled winners for the most outstanding  BALIK PINAS BALIK HANAPBUHAY Program beneficiary namely:

1. Marites Lambino Benito from Benguet.
2. Felipa Cortes Maldora from Bohol.
3. Cynthehia Racaza Labor from Bukidnon.

There were also two (2) winners for the most outstanding OWWA business loan beneficiary they're
as follows:

1. Antuza Wanason Refalda from Kalinga.
2. Gina Balagot Nesperos of Sultan Kudarat.

Three(3) awardees of SPIMS Beneficiaries given recognition as well namely:

1. Veronica Nicolas De Vera of Nueva Viscaya.
2. Melinda Godinez Lapingcao of Lapu-Lapu City.
3. Madelyn Bahala De Guzman of Davao City.

Two(2) winners as the most outstanding BALIK PINAY BALIK HANAPBUHAY beneficiary, are as follows:

1. Mirasol Sta Maria Baquiran of Isabela.
2. Rosalie Robles Espino of Koronadal City.

The winners received medallion and cash prizes were awarded by Secretary Silvestre Bello III and OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac.

“We are honored to be part of your journey. Your hard work, discipline and exemplary achievements make you our nation’s most revered modern-day heroes and partners in nation building,” said Labor Secretary and OWWA Board of Trustees Chair Silvestre H. Bello III.

“I am proud to say that through the Marilag Awards, in a way, we are breeding another batch of outstanding Filipinas. Your successes validate that our programs and services truly change lives.  Let your story echo and resonate not only in this amazing hall but also in the entire country, as well as to other countries where there are OFWs showcasing the economic opportunities in our country and keeping our family members together,” said OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac.

The following criteria's were observed and implemented based on the sustainability of their enterprise, impact to their community, skills application and innovation.As for the SPIMS beneficiaries it was based on their contribution in the area of public school education in reference to their respective districts.

A complimentary event at the Marble hall with the ceremonial MOA signing and AVP presentation and the 1348 Launching.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched its Hotline 1348 today, 29 March 2019 at Ayuntamiento de Manila, Intramuros, Manila during the agency’s culminating activity for the Women’s Month. This project is in partnership with the ePLDT Inc.

The Hotline 1348 is OWWA’s strengthened response in providing faster and more responsive service to client calls requesting assistance on various OWWA programs, services, and benefits including issues on employment contracts, repatriation assistance, and other OFW-related queries and concerns.

“With the Hotline 1348, clients can easily reach the OWWA 24/7 Operations Center that is responsible in monitoring and endorsing OFW-related concerns to appropriate OWWA offices or government agencies for immediate action. This is our way of adhering to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s mandate to improve government programs and services for our OFWs and their families,” said Labor Secretary and OWWA Board of Trustees Chair Silvestre H. Bello III.

The Hotline 1348 is available 24/7, Monday to Sunday, including holidays. Clients will simply dial 1348 using landline or mobile phone. As for clients outside Metro Manila, they may dial (02) 1348 while international clients may dial 0632-1348.

“We want the OFWs, their families, and the public to be able to connect with OWWA with as much ease as possible. Thus, our Hotline 1348 is staffed by dedicated live agents trained to respond to calls, provide information, and gather requests for assistance from our clients,” said OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac.

In addition to the partnership, Smart, which is also under PLDT, will be providing free 30-minute WiFi services to OFWs visiting or transacting business within the OWWA building. (Teddy Cho Blog)