Two Cebuano families hailed as model OFW families

Two Cebuano families were hailed at the 2011 Model Overseas Filipino Worker Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA).    The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chose the two families from among 17 regional winners all over the country.   Those who won the awards were the Astillero and Caminero families, along with two seafarers who won the Outstanding Achievement in Community Projects and Entrepreneurship special awards, DOLE said in a news release.   The National Awardees received a trophy and cash prize of P400,000 courtesy of Globe Telecom and the Department of Trade and Industry, plus P200,000, for a total cash award of P600,000.   MOFYA, first conceptualized in 2003 as a component activity of DOLE and the OWWA’s Family Welfare Program, fetes the exemplary performance of OFWs who maintain strong family ties despite the difficulties of migration.   For 2011, OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon said the Astillero and Caminero families "epitomized the said qualifications and have created positive impact in their respective communities.”   Astillero   Dr. Carlito Astillero, a National Awardee for the MOFYA Land-Based Category, has worked in Saudi Arabia for 24 years.   He is the founder of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in Riyadh and has previously won numerous awards because of his selfless deeds.   Astillero and wife Elena are parents to five children.   "With his hard-earned money, he was able to support the education of his children and invest in setting up various businesses. Having retired last January, he is currently involved in organic farming on a piece of land he bought while abroad," the DOLE said.   “I wish to educate other farmers about farming,” he said.   Caminero   On the other hand, chief engineer Candido Caminero has been working for 40 years as a seaman.   He is a technical adviser to the National Irrigators Association, a successful businessman, a community welfare advocate, a husband, and a father to nine children.   "The National Awardee for the MOFYA’s Sea-Based Category said that aside from his responsibility to his family, he also felt it his duty to help people in his community," the DOLE said.   It said he organized an association which addresses the concerns of members 12 years ago.   Citations   Aside from the major awards, special citations were given in this year’s MOFYA recognizing the exceptional domestic contributions of migrant workers.   The Outstanding Achievement in Community Projects Award was bestowed on Captain Celso Banag, a seafarer for 21 years.   He and his family were known in Ramos, Tarlac for their successful businesses—a manning agency, a metal fabrication shop, a farmland, a fitness gym, a technical school, a construction supply, and a water refilling station.   "In spite of their success, the family exudes simplicity and continues to share their blessings by helping fellow Tarlaquenos," the DOLE said.   Capt. Manolo Gacutan has been serving onboard commercial vessels for 16 years. He and his family operate a manpower agency which provides employment to many Filipino seafarers.   The Gacutans also own a tailor shop, a commercial center, a garden resort and a real estate development company.  "Recognized for his Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship, Gacutan mentions that perseverance alone does not make one successful," the DOLE said.   “It is important to save and wisely invest your hard-earned money, so that when the time of need comes, you will have something to fish out,” he said. - RJMD/VVP, GMA News