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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Villar family hail OFWs' contributions to Philippines at 13th Summit

Villar family hail OFWs' contributions to Philippines at 13th Summit

Published Nov 11, 2024 09:24 am

The Villar family paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the country's economy at the recent 13th OFW and Family Summit.

 

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Senator Cynthia Villar and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar hand over the symbolic key to Mylene Chua of Marikina City, an OFW domestic worker from Kuwait,  after she won the Grand Prize of Camella house and lot during the 13th OFW and Family Summit held on November 8 at The Tent in Las Piñas City. A mother of 5 children, Mylene was speechless in receiving her prize, saying it was a long time dream to have a house of their own. (Contributed photo) 

Over 4,000 OFWs and their family members participated in the Summit, which was held last Friday, November 8, at The Tent in Las Piñas City.

"Lahat po kami taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyo at sa sakripisyo niyo (all of us are grateful to you and your sacrifices)," said House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar during the event.

This year's theme "Tara Magnegosyo Na!" encouraged OFWs and their families  to invest in local businesses and opportunities to maximize their hard-earned income.

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Villar Family together with OWAA Administrator Arnel Ignacio, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Asec.Venecio Legaspi and father Fr. Dennis Irisari of San Ezekiel parish.

"Kaya para po sa inyo itong 13th OFW Summit, para kahit sa isang munting paraan, maipakita po naming ang pasasalamat sa inyo. Saludo po kami sa inyong sipag,tiyaga, dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa ating bayan (This 13th OFW Summit is for you, so that even in a small way, we can show our gratitude to you. We salute your hard work, perseverance, dedication and love for our country," Rep. Villar said.

Sen. Mark Villar, meanwhile, assured OFWs and their families of sustained assistance and support, both personally and through legislative initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of OFWs.

He cited the filing of Senate Bill No. 223 which seeks to provide credit assistance to employed OFWs.

He also pushed for the passage of Senate Bill 1415 to establish an Assistance Fund for OFWs in distress.

"Kami po ay lubusang humahanga sa inyong pagsisikap upang mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang inyong mga pamilya sa kabila ng pagiging malayo sa kanila (We completely admire your efforts to give your families a good life despite being far away from them)," said Sen. Villar.

"Kaya naman po sa abot ng aming makakaya, kami po ay patuloy na magbibigay suporta sa ating mga kapatid na OFWs at sa inyong mga pamilya na maiiwan dito sa Pilipinas (That's why to the best of our ability, we will continue to support our fellow OFWs and your families who will be left here in the Philippines)," he added.
 

Former Senate President Manny Villar, renowned for his advocacy on OFWs said he is optimistic about the progress the government has made in protecting the OFW sector.

But the former Senate leader said it is important to enhance the financial and entrepreneurial skills of OFWs.

"Natutuwa ako at umaangat ang buhay ng ating mga OFWs. Marami pa rin tayong tutulungan, magkikita pa rin tayo sa mga susunod na OFW summit' (I am happy and the lives of our OFWs are improving. We still have a lot to help, we will still meet at the next OFW summit)," said the former Senate President.

Sen. Cynthia Villar also thanked the OFWs who attended the event. She urged everyone to use their learnings and insights from the guests to establish local business and make it flourish.

 

Related Tags

Cynthia Villar Camille Villar OFWs Mark Villar Manny Villar
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