2 Baguio families to represent Cordi in Model OFW Families

BAGUIO CITY --- Two families from Baguio City will represent the Cordillera Administrative Region  in the 2017 national Model OFW(Overseas Filipino Workers) Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) tilt set  in November after winning in the regional search.

The family of seafarer (captain/master) Roberto Vizcarra from barangay Guisad is the winner in the regional MOFYA Sea – based category while the family of Saturnino Valenciano barangay Pinsao Proper won in the MOFYA land – based category.

 Robert Vizcarra was a master in a ship based in Europe before transferring to a ship travelling in Europe, United States and Asia. He and his wifePacita have two daughters, Ma. Vanesa Erica and Ma. Erica Victoria, both registered nurses who are currently working in the United Kingdom.

 Saturnino Valenciano isan OFW returnee who worked as electrical foreman in Qatar from 1982 – 2012.He is married to Angelita and blessed with two children – Joan, a physiotherapist and Ellis, an IT technician.         

 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration OIC Regional Director Evelyn Laranang, assisted by Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Ezequiel Ronie Guzman,  OWWA Diirector for Admin and Finance Lilia De Guzman and Baguio Congressman Mark Go awarded the plaque of recognition to the winners in an awarding ceremony at Pines View Hotel last September 15.

 Also given special awards were the families of OFW Samson Agraan of Luna, Apayao for their entrepreneurial undertakings and Viola Miguelfrom Pinsao Proper, Baguio City for community service.

 The MOFYA search aims to give due recognition to the contribution of OFWs in the economic and social development of the country as well as the OFW families’ effort to become successful in life, in maintaining family solidarity and wholesomeness and as an active member of the community, despite the social cost of migration.

 For the MOFYA 2017 regional search, there were two nominees for the sea –based category and 10 nominees for the land – based category.

 The Regional Screening and Selection Committee was chaired by Guzman with Laranang as vice chair. Members  included  Philippine Information Agency – CAR Regional Director Helen Tibaldo, Baguio Center for Young Adults Executive Director Marlene De Castro, Fe Damaguen of the Episcopal Church, Rev. Abraham Luis of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines  and former MOFYA regional winners Myrna Garcia  of Baguio City and Marilou Collo of  Abra.  -- PIA CAR