Sunday, December 16, 2007 Video chats, free check-ups in party for overseas workers
AS PART of the government’s effort to promote family bonding, at least 5,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families were treated to a party yesterday at the Northwing of SM City.
The OFW Family Day, the 11th such annual event of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (Owwa), started with a free medical mission, unlike last year’s children’s party.
Doctors, nurses and physical therapists organized by Southwestern University offered free physical check-ups, consultations and scoliosis screening, while representatives from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center gave out medicines.
Raffle draws and performances from celebrities like Sheryn Regis and the Cebu Chamber Singers entertained the families in the afternoon.
Break
“December to January is the peak season when many OFWs would come home. We wanted to take advantage of their vacation here by giving them a venue to celebrate together. We wanted to help cope with the social cost of migration,” said Owwa 7 Director Wilfreda Misterio.
She estimated that 40 percent of the participants were children, motivating Owwa to give out loot bags and other giveaways.
Four members of each family were given food meal coupons and raffle tickets.
Misterio said they encouraged them to bring their whole family, including extended ones, so “the purpose of the party won’t be defeated.”
Part of the afternoon’s program was a five-minute video conference with Owwa’s counterparts in the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Spain and another five-minute video conference with OFW Charle Garcia in Norway.
Charle’s wife Junamil said it was a real gift for him to see his children dance a number during the program through the video conference.
It was Junamil’s first time to attend the family day, which, for her, was an opportunity to interact with other families and make new friends.
The Garcia family, with five children, was among the five families nominated for the 2007 Model Overseas Filipino Worker of the Year Award. (NRC)
