Bohol, Cebu families win Model OFW Family award

CEBU, Philippines - The families of a civil supervisor and a chief mate were proclaimed winners of this year’s Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in Central Visayas in the land-based and sea-based categories, respectively.

Out of four finalists for the land-based category, the family of Homer Balais in Antequera, Bohol was declared as the winner while the family of Charle Garcia of Mandaue City, Cebu bested three other finalists in the sea-based category.

The Balais family was nominated by Antequera OFW and Dependents’ Association for the family’s contribution and volunteerism in the rehabilitation of their church which was damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in 2013.

Balais, who works as a civil supervisor in Qatar, said he takes utmost pride in the cooperation of their community in reviving their town after the calamity.  He said bagging the award is a symbol of his sacrifices overseas, including being separated from his family to work abroad.

The three other finalists for the land-based category were Rufino Capacio, a rig manager in India and whose family is based in Daanbantayan, Cebu; Crispin Cayang, an assistant control manager in Qatar and whose family is from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental; and Victoria Gom-os, a midwife in Riyadh and whose family lives in Larena, Siquijor.

Meanwhile, the Garcia family was nominated by the Colegio de la Immaculada Concepcion – Mandaue City.

Garcia’s wife, Junamil, expressed happiness in receiving the award, citing the sacrifices they have encountered during their marriage and in rearing their children. 

“It’s not really easy having children of OFWs especially if among bana wa  dinhi. But we are happy of what we become,” she said.

Garcia was not around during the awarding ceremonies since he was in China. 

The two other finalists for the sea-based category were Paulino Narisma, a bosun and whose family lives in Dauis, Bohol; and Roberto Valiente, a chief cook whose family is based in Daanbantayan, Cebu. 

The families of Balais and Garcia shall represent Central Visayas in the nationwide search for MOFYA. 

Now on its 11th year, MOFYA aims to give due recognition to the outstanding achievements of the OFWs and their families. It also intends to promote the success stories on the resilience of the OFW families amid the challenges of overseas employment.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – 7 director Wilfreda Misterio urged other OFW families to learn from the best practices of the winners and finalists of MOFYA. 

 “As Filipino people, we find joy and take pride in doing things for our country. It is for the love of the family which gives us the strength, makes us endure the challenges and makes us push ourselves hard in our jobs,” she said. — (FREEMAN)