President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday led the awarding of the 2019 Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA), recognizing the hard works of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge your impact on our country’s progress not only in terms of your invaluable contribution to the economy, but also in showcasing the skills and talents of the Filipino to the international community,” President Duterte said during the 2019 Model OFW Family of the Year National Awarding in Malacañang.

“Let me assure you that in return, we, in government, will continue to ensure that your efforts to uplift the lives of your families shall not be put in vain.”

This will remain as one of the top priorities of the government, according to the President.

More than ever, the Chief Executive said, the country needs the OFWs and their families to take part in nation-building efforts and made a renewed call for them to carry out with their pursuits and aspirations.

The President thanked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Model OFW Family of the Year Awards organizing committee for giving due recognition to the country’s OFWs and their families.

The Model OFW Family of the Year Award is an annual search that showcases the best practices on how to nurture an OFW family despite the distance and challenges, and on how their success resonates with the rest of society.

MOFYA has two award categories: regional and national winners. All 17 regions had two MOFYA winners, one from landbased category and one from seabased category.

Organizers chose two national winners, one from landbased and one from seabased categories from among 34 regional winners.

National winners received P500,000 and trophy while the regional winners got P30,000 each. Moreover, the special awardees received P75,000 each plus trophy. PND