Senator Cynthia Villar considers the annual Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Family Summit as her family's way of expressing their gratitude to the OFWs, who have been keeping the economy afloat amid the global crises.

The senator, a known advocate of OFWs, noted that they also want to help and guide the country's migrant workers in wisely investing their hard-earned money from abroad.

Thousands of OFWs and their relatives on Friday, Nov. 10 gathered at The Tent in Las Piñas City for the 12th OFW and Family Summit. 

The theme of this year's summit is "Masaganang Kabuhayan Para sa OFWs at Families."

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Villar family. 

House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and Senator Mark Villar delivered the welcome address and special message, respectively. 

In his inspirational message, former Senate President Manny Villar said that it was important to continue supporting the OFW sector.

Lorena Policarpio, wife of an OFW working in Saudi Arabia bagged the grand prize of a Camella house during the raffle draw.  

The other lucky winners went home with various appliances, a sari-sari store showcase, and motorcycles. 

Aside from the prizes, those who attended the summit also acquired knowledge to ensure their protection while working abroad.

Invited resource persons discussed various topics from digital earning and investment to entrepreneurship. 

A dialogue was also conducted with concerned government officials – Department of Migrant Worker OIC Atty. Hans Leo Cacdac, DFA Usec.  Atty. Eduardo Jose De Vega, OWWA  Administrator Arnelli Ignacio, DOJ-Senior Assistant Prosecutor Atty.Josyli Tabajonda and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Director, Luisito De los Santos.