MCIA launches Pinoy Grand Salubong

CEBU, Philippines - The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA)- SMART International Services launched its “4th Pinoy Grand Salubong,” which aims to give appreciation to the overseas Filipino workers for their efforts and sacrifices in other countries that helped lift up the country’s economy.

The project focuses on returning OFWs who will be celebrating Christmas and New Year in the country.

Jazmin Manabat, senior manager of SMART International Services, said PGS is just one way of showing care for the Filipinos abroad.

“We want to let them know that despite their sacrifices something good will happen,” she said, adding that they want to deliver better services and provide a good bridge towards remittances.

The OFWs are tagged as the new generation’s heroes as their remittances help boost the economy of the country and they are considered world class laborers as they are in demand in other countries.

Aside from welcoming the balikbayans, PGS also has prepared a tribute through a raffle draw where lucky winners can take home a house and lot from Camella Homes, a brand new Isuzu car, and several WOW Magic Sing videoke.

The draw will run from December 10 until January 30, 2011.

According to the project coordinator, Jill Hernandez, all OFWs arriving at the MCIAA will be given a stab, which they will fill up and drop at designated drop box for the electronic raffle draw in January.

The tribute is in cooperation with Isuzu Mandaue Incorporated, Camella Homes Cebu, Department of Labor and Employment-7 and Philippine Overseas Employment Agency-7.

Meanwhile, MCIAA Public Affairs manager Ahmed Cuizon has been reportedly nominated by local officials and the transportation sector as the new LTFRB regional director.

Cuizon has been serving the MCIAA since 1996 as Public Affairs Supervisor and was promoted as manager of the same division in 2007.

“I was not totally surprised but I already wanted the position (LTFRB director) since 2007,” he said. (FREEMAN)