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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 3,000 OFWs, families gather for 14th OFW and Family Summit in Las Piñas

3,000 OFWs, families gather for 14th OFW and Family Summit in Las Piñas

Published Nov 18, 2025 03:25 pm

At A Glance

  • The event, which happened last Nov. 14, 2025, is annually organized by the Villar Foundation to honor and empower Filipino migrant workers.

More than 3,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families gathered at The Tent in Villar City for the 14th OFW and Family Summit.

The event, which happened last Nov. 14, 2025, is annually organized by the Villar Foundation to honor and empower Filipino migrant workers.

Members of the Villar family, particularly former Senate president Manny Villar, former senator Cynthia Villar, Senators Mark and Camille Villar and Vistaland President Paolo Villar, led and welcomed participants and reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to supporting the welfare and aspirations of OFWs and their loved ones.

In his speech, former Senate president Villar expressed his gratitude to the OFWs, recalling how their housing business began with a seafarer as their very first client. 

“Utang na loob po natin sa mga OFW ang ating kabuhayan (We owe our livelihood to our OFWs),” he said.

Sen. Mark Villar, for his part, said the 14th Summit is a good reminder for lawmakers to intensify their legislative work for the benefit of the country’s new heroes.

Sen. Camille Villar, meanwhile, reaffirmed her commitment to championing policies aimed at protecting and advancing the welfare and interests of OFWs and their families.

This year’s summit featured a series of talks, panel discussions, and interactive booths focusing on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, reintegration programs and government support for migrant workers. 

Agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Technical and Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Pag-IBIG Fund, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and several private companies provided on-site consultations and assistance.

The OFW Summit also offered participants a dedicated avenue to express their sentiments, concerns, and suggestions directly to the participating government agencies-providing OFWs and their families an opportunity to be heard and to engage meaningfully with officials who can address their needs.

Margarita Calsado of Las Piñas, an OFW for 14 years in Oman, won the most anticipated prize during the raffle draws—a brand new Camella house and lot.

During the raffle, participants had a chance to win home appliances, livelihood packages and motorcycles.

Related Tags

OFWs Villar Group Villar Foundation
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