Pinoy couple bags Queen’s Service award in New Zealand

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino couple was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List for their service to the Filipino community in New Zealand.

The Philippine embassy in New Zealand said Oscar Poquinto Batucan and his wife, Miriam Alvez Batucan, who both hail from Cebu and are currently residing in Auckland, are the first-ever Filipino couple awarded the QSM that recognizes the recipient’s valuable voluntary service to the community at the local or regional level.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez congratulated the couple, saying they are shining examples of the globally known bayanihan spirit – the unique Filipino sense of volunteerism and service for the good of the community – and an inspiration for many Filipinos who are aspiring to make a name for themselves in various fields in New Zealand.

“Together with the other Filipino achievers whose works and talents have been recognized in New Zealand, you continue to do our country and people proud. You are among our valued links in enhancing Philippines-New Zealand people based relationship,” Benavidez said.

In 1987, Oscar and Miriam decided to make New Zealand their second home where they raised five children who are doing well in their respective careers and professions. They are grandparents to eight grandchildren.

In addition to their family and work commitments in the government and private sector, the couple carried out voluntary services and support to the Filipino community for the past 26 years.

The embassy said the couple remain very active in helping increase attendance in church services and devotional activities and reaching out to new Filipino migrants to facilitate their adjustment to the way of life and culture in New Zealand and sense of belonging in the Filipino and local communities.

They readily shared their experiences with and gave valuable advice to Filipinos settling down in New Zealand.

The couple also broadened their networking with Filipino and other ethnic communities, joined gatherings and meetings and pursued community service and advocacies.

Since the establishment of the NZ-Filipino Devotees of Señor Sto. Niño Trust in 1994, Miriam has been the chairperson and together with Oscar, continues to serve and hold annual activities and a 10-day Sinulog Festival attended by more than 10,000 devotees as well as programs for the youth, women, families and senior citizens.

For the past 15 years, they have been anchoring the weekly radio program “Pilipinas Mabuhay,” providing counseling and updates on the Philippines as well as the Filipino community in Auckland, particularly about various activities and employment opportunities.