My Stint as an Emcee in Celebrating Overseas Filipino Workers Worldwide

Yesterday was a great event for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, our region just celebrated the Migrant Workers Day and Awarding of the Model OFW Family of the Year. Both are joint prestigious events that showcases the achievement of Filipino expats around the world and recognizing them for their hardwork and contribution to the Philippine economy.

I was extremely grateful to emcee the event which had a guest of more than 500 people. It was my 6th year as a host and this time I was partnered with a well-known celebrity DJ and comedian of our city.

We usually celebrate the Migrant Workers Day during the 7th of June, however, due to the recent Marawi Crisis we were unable to do so, we then scheduled it 3 months later. The Migrant Workers Day is a day to celebrate the signing of into law of Republic Act 8042, the Migrant Workers Act of 1995 which states

An act to institute the policies of overseas employment and establish a higher standard of protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers, their families and overseas Filipinos in distress, and for other purposes.

The act also recognizes the important contributions of the OFWs, their protection and the sacrifices that they made and their families which branded them as the modern day heroes of the Philippine society today.

The program also included the awarding of the Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA). It recognizes the successes of an OFW family overcoming the struggles and challenges they experienced, together with their entrepreneurial and community achievements and leadership. They were nominated by their church and community organizations as an example that should be emulated.

The life of an OFW is not easy. The lost time being away from the family has made a lot of relationships crumble, many families falling apart. Some children are unable to understand why a parent or their parents have to go far away to work. Love is often equated with material things and some children end up losing their ways or possibly rebel due to limited guidance. That's why the government and the church ministries are working hard hand in hand to uplift the OFW family so that they remain intact and children are guided properly.

The program also showcased the different folk dances of the Philippines. They presented the Maglalatik, Lapay, Sakuting and Tinikling.

I had fun and it made me feel proud and honored to witness an event which gives value to the work, love and dedication of OFWs worldwide. The fact that they are considered as modern day heroes is a rightful term for them.

Salute to all OFWs! Mabuhay po kayo!

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