THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) Regional Welfare Office (RWO) in Zamboanga Peninsula named the winners of the 2018 Regional Model OFW Family of the Year Award (Mofya) on September 29 in Zamboanga City.
Mofya is an institutionalized search of Owwa, giving honor and recognition to outstanding OFW families who have displayed exceptional achievements and an example of success in all aspects of living: family solidarity, financial stewardship, civic community involvement and entrepreneurship.
For Land-based Category, Engr. Mohammad Ali Sulay Urao bagged the highest score, with a rate of 95 percent, and Captain Alberto H. Florida won in the Sea-based category with a score of 89 percent.
Urao and Florida will vie for the 2018 National Mofya during the National Awarding Ceremony in December.
The nominees were carefully evaluated and judged by members of the Regional Selection and Screening Committee based on (1) wholesomeness of the OFW family; (2) civic/community involvement of OFW and family; (3) success in OFW and/or family members in education or profession; and (4) success in managing family finances.
Secretary Marianito Roque, former Dole secretary and "father" of Mofya and Owwa, graced the awarding ceremony.
“Mofya is not only to honor OFWs but also to recognize the strength and sacrifices of the families left behind,” he said.
The awarding ceremony was also attended by Zamboanga City Councilor Aljihan R. Edding representing Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Undersecretary Jose I. Lorena, member commissioner of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.
Members of the Regional Coordinating Committee were also present, as well as members of the Federation of OFW Family Circles headed by Dr. Ladjakaya S. Abubakar. (PR)