Estrada honors returning OFWs

President Estrada called overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) yesterday the new heroes who could greatly help the country in this time of economic crisis.

The Chief Executive welcomed 400 vacationing OFWs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yesterday, along with officials of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) led by Administrator Eli Gardiner.

Mr. Estrada handed out cash, gift certificates and grocery items to three "Lucky OFWs," who were chosen at random by OWWA officials at their places of employment.

The "Lucky OFWs" are Lily Camatison, a domestic helper in Hong Kong; Leonardo Orbe, a seaman; and William Ansis, a material planner in Saudi Arabia.

The President shook the hands of each OFW who disembarked from a Saudia airlines flight that arrived at NAIA yesterday morning.

Mr. Estrada told reporters that many OFWs have already availed themselves of the government’s housing program, known as "Pabahay Program for OFWs." – Rey Arquiza, Marichu Villanueva