2 Cebuanos win ‘Model OFW Families’ in Region 7 

Two Cebuano families were recognized as model OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) families in Central Visayas yesterday.

“These are the faces of success stories of OFW workers and their families,” said Wilfreda Misterio, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 7 director.

The OWWA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) organized the search nine years ago to highlight the success not only of the OFW but also of each family member.

The family of Vernon Jaca Sr. from Lapu-Lapu City won in the land-based category while the family of Reinerio Tiro of Cordova town won the sea-based category. They were nominated by Wilma Emnace, cluster head of the Couples for Christ in Lapu-Lapu City.

Three OFW families from Central Visayas were short-listed for each of the land-based and sea-based categories.

Other nominees for the land-based category were the families of Benjamin Alindajao Jr. of Maribojoc, Bohol and Alfredo Bariñan of Lapu-Lapu City. Nominees for the sea-based category were the families of Eduardo Ibañez of Lapu-Lapu City and Jesus Tongco of Anda, Bohol.

They were judged based on “wholesomeness” which includes “constancy of positive communication, sharing of responsibilities among OFW family members, emotional connection, support and maintenance, psycho-social maturity of the children and involvement of children in civic activities.”

Their involvement in civic and community activities also mattered, as well as the success of the family members in terms of education and profession.

National winners will receive a total of P600,000 and trophy for each category. There will also be two special awardees for Outstanding Achievement in Community Projects and Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship.

“A new feature this year is that the nominator for national winners of both categories will also receive P50,000,” said Mae Codilla OWWA-7 programs and services division chief.

“We hope we can repeat history for region 7,” added regional director Misterio.

In 2011, region 7 made history when it won the national awards for both the land and sea-based categories.