ZAMBOANGA CITY ? The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office IX (OWWA RWO-IX) hosted its 13th annual Regional Awards Night for the Model OFW Family of the Year Awards 2017 (MOFYA 2017) last September 8, 2017 at the Garden Orchid Hotel.

MOFYA 2017 aimed to recognize the achievements of OFWs and their families in managing the impact of overseas employment on family life. Likewise, it aspires to uplift the image of the OFW families in their respective communities, and sustain awareness among OFWs on the importance of the family unit in the attainment of community goals.

Six (6) regional nominees coming from different parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula vied for the prestigious award - three (3) for the Landbased Category and three (3) for Seabased Category. After a thorough selection process, Hji. Albie Usama (ZC) and Capt. Romulo Elagor (ZDN) were chosen as the winners for the Landbased and Seabased category, respectively.

A total of 110 guests attended the awarding ceremony, among them were MOFYA nominees and awardees, OFW leaders coming from different provinces in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the DOLE family of agencies, the leaders and members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Regional Screening & Selection Committee (RSSC,) guest speakers, friends from the media, academe, religious groups and LGUs.

OWWA Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain in his message recognized the hardships of OFWs working abroad and addressed the economical advantages brought to the country with the sacrifices made by our dear OFWs. Further adding that if family members would help each other as our MOFYA awardees have exemplified, they will succeed to keep the family intact

Present during the ceremony were Councilor Josephine Pareja who represented Mayor Maria Isabelle "Beng" Climaco-Salazar and Mr. Ronnie Lledo, Chief Anchor of GBPI TV 11 Dateline Zamboanga.

It is noteworthy to mention that since the birth of MOFYA in 2005, four (4) national winners/awardees have come from Region IX, namely; Landbased Category Winners: (1) Dr. Anicia Alvarez ? 2005 (OFW ?Brunei); (2) Engr. Kagim H. Jajurie ? 2006 (OFW-KSA); (3) Dr. Ibrahim Q. Bahjin ? 2008 (OFW-KSA) and; (4) Outstanding Achievement Awardee for Community Service, Dr. Orlando P. Paber ? 2012 (OFW-KSA.)#

With reports from Aimee Rose Belle Tan, LCO, OWWA9.