OWWA 7’s OFW Family Day 2015 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 7 held its annual OFW Family Day on December 5, 2015 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu where OFWs and their families flocked to gather and celebrate the Christmas season together.

In his opening speech, DOLE 7 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga warmly welcomed all OFWs and their families to the annual celebration. He also thanked them for coming over and for supporting and cooperating with DOLE and its attached agencies like OWWA on their activities.

Richard “Sir Chief” Yap serenades the OFWs and their families during Region 7’s OFW Family Day 2015 on December 5, 2015 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.

Graced by the presence of OWWA’s Deputy Administrator Josefino I. Torres, the activity started blissfully as he extended OWWA’s gratitude to the OFWs and their families for their contribution on boosting and strengthening the country’s economy.

DA Torres also mentioned the objective of holding the OFW Family Day annually which is about “giving honor and recognition to OFWs and their families every December, since it’s the most awaited time of the OFWs to have a vacation from work abroad and spend quality time with their loved ones to celebrate Christmas”.

OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino I. Torres and DOLE 7 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga lead the raffle draws during Region 7’s OFW Family Day 2015 on December 5, 2015 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.

Participated by around 1,600 attendees, the OFW Family Day was made more delightful when Richard “Sir Chief” Yap, one of the most promising actor-endorser in Philippine television entertained the crowd through song numbers.

Several festival and pop dances were also performed by University of Cebu Dance Company, one of Cebu’s pride in promoting festival dances of Cebu Province which created an ambiance of festivity throughout the event.

DA Torres, DOLE 7’s Regional Director Sarcauga and OWWA 7’s Regional Director Wilfreda L. Misterio also led the three (3) sets of raffle draws in which the lucky winners brought home several prizes such as home appliances, grocery items, gift certificates and bank deposits. The first 200 OFW children who arrived at the venue were also given loot bags.

From left to right: DOLE Asst. Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales, OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino I. Torres, OWWA Regional Director Wilfreda L. Misterio and Isuzu Marketing Officer Lizette Olitres-Palermo pose with Ma. Fe G. Barcenilla, the raffle draw grand prize winner during Region 7’s OFW Family Day 2015 on December 5, 2015 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.

Before the event ended, Dir. Misterio thanked everyone, especially those who traveled a long way from different cities and provinces of Region 7 to attend the OFW Family Day.

OWWA 7’s OFW Family Day 2015 has indeed become a good avenue for enjoyable bonding experience amongst OFW families which was also made possible by OWWA 7’s corporate partners; Ayala Center Cebu, Isuzu, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metro, Pru Life UK and PhilHealth.

Deputy Administrator Josefino I. Torres with OWWA 7 Regional Director Wilfreda L. Misterio and Staff during Region 7’s OFW Family Day 2015 on December 5, 2015 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.