On International Migrants Day – December 18, 2023, the Inter-agency Committee on Month of Overseas Filipinos (IAC-MOF), celebrated thru a forum, the contributions of overseas Filipinos to Philippine development. IAC-MOF is co-chaired by the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), with members from the government and migration sector.
With the theme “Empowering Overseas Filipinos/OFWs Towards Sustainable Reintegration”, the National Forum on Migration held at Sheraton Manila Bay, was a tribute to overseas Filipinos and their families. Attended by more than 200 participants, including OFW Family Circle members and migrant returnees, it was the culminating activity of the 2023 MOF Celebration, and sponsored by the International Organization for Migration (IOM)-Manila.
The event was graced by CFO Secretary Romulo V. Arugay, Ms. Carmelita Nuqui of the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW), Usec. Cherbett Maralit of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Asec. Jerome Alcantara of the Department of Migrant Workers, and Ms. Yuko Tomita of IOM.
During his message Sec. Arugay commended our bagong bayani, stressing that their welfare is among the top priorities of the present administration – “Our beloved President Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos, Jr. has constantly assured our OFs that the government would continue to provide assistance to them, whenever and wherever they are.” And because of their unwavering commitment to improving our nation and the global community, he asked the stakeholders to continue building a more inclusive and supportive environment for them.
Sec. Arugay also led the launching of the opening of nominations to the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).
PAFIOO is the highest honor bestowed by the Philippine President to Filipinos and organizations based overseas which have uplifted lives and communities through their exceptional contributions in their respective fields of work and philanthropic initiatives.
Ms. Nuqui highlighted the importance and history of MOF Celebration and shared the activities in the Philippines and abroad, organized by the IAC-MOF for this year. She also commended the significant contributions of overseas Filipinos to motherland.
Other resource speakers include ExDir. Bernadette A. Mendoza of Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Admin. Mary Melanie Quiño of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Dir. Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. of the Department of Labor and Employment, and Ms. Aileen Constantino-Peñas of Atikha. They discussed their organization’s respective programs and services, in line with reintegration, employment opportunities, and migrant welfare and assistance. Participants were able to clarify their issues and concerns, especially in availing government service from these agencies, during the open forum.
Ms. Nomie Cruz, former OFW from Bahrain and Yemen and now successful entrepreneur, also shared her poignant and inspiring journey, to encourage OFWs to invest and plan for their eventual reintegration back to the country. The latest book by PMRW – “Migrants’ Stories, Migrants’ Voices” 8th Edition – was also launched, with some of the contributors sharing their insights and experiences on migration.
Also present during the forum are Usec. Valery Joy Brion and Atty. Alma Royandoyan-Alli of CFO, Asec. Evangeline de Leon of PCO, and Mr. William O. Chavez of PhilHealth.
Part of the forum was information caravan thru agency booths, and entertainment thru song numbers and raffle of gift items sponsored by IAC-MOF.
