Padilla and Detubio Families bag the region’s MOFYA

The Padilla and Detubio families bagged the Regional Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) for land-based and sea based categories, respectively. Held at SM San Fernando City, Pampanga last September 3, 2009, the MOFYA is given yearly thru the efforts of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Labor Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Services Offices (PESO) with the support of various private companies that help sponsor the event.

“The Padilla and Detubio families were endorsed by the city not only because of the achievements of OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) family members but also due to the success of the whole family,” said Evelyn delos Santos, head of Olongapo City PESO.

Model OFW families are chosen based on the following criteria: wholesome OFW family, success/achievements of family members, investments or success in managing the family’s finances and the community or social involvement of the family.

Headed by Pepe who worked abroad for more than ten (10) years, the story of Padilla Family of Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac caught the judges’ attention. Despite difficulties, Pepe and his wife were able to raise their nine (9) children well and sent them all to reputable colleges and universities in the country.

On the other hand, the Detubio Family was also chosen as model OFW family awardee due to the achievements and community involvement of family members. “The Detubios from Botolan, Zambales sought the assistance of PESO Olongapo to endorse them as nominees to the regional search for MOFYA,” delos Santos also explained.

“I am very proud to present the region’s Model OFW families. They do not only inspire fellow OFWs to work harder but they are living proofs that families can be successful despite of distance between family members,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. at the flag raising ceremonies held September 22, 2009 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court.

The Padilla and Detubio Families will officially represent the region at the national level of the competition and winners will be conferred on the first week of November this year.

Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, advocating the welfare and strengthened ties of Filipino families, also expressed her commendations to Detubio and Padilla Families for their feats.

The Search for MOFYA is held yearly to honor the efforts of OFWs and to recognize their vital role in the fare of Filipino families and consequently, to nation-building.

Together with OWWA Region III Director Socorro Castro and City PESO head Evelyn delos Santos, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. presented the award received to the Padilla Family of Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac as the region’s Model OFW Family of the Year (MOFYA) for land-based category this 22nd of September 2009 at the flag raising ceremonies held at the Rizal Triangle Covered court. On the other hand, Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon (not in picture) expressed pride to the feat of the Detubio family from Botolan, Zambales who were also chosen as the Regional MOFYA for the sea-based category. The Padillas and Detubios will officially represent the region at the national level of the said competition, in their respective categories.

Pao/sara