BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—A Vizcayana Overseas Foreign Worker has been chosen by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to represent Cagayan Valley region in the national search for Model OFW Family.
The family of Marcela Echevere Valdez of barangay Nagbitin in Villaverde town was recently awarded as MOFYA in September 21 at Crown Pavilion, Tuguegarao City.
JudyMae Adalin, OWWA family welfare officer said the family of Valdez remains united and continues to practice charity and sharing despite their physical separation when she worked as domestic helper in Malaysia for five years.
Adalin added that seven of Valdez’s eight children managed to finish college. One of them graduated cum laude in a theological school and is now a priest at the diocese of Bayombong, while her youngest child is now in senior high school in their town.
“At present, Marcela is now the chairperson of Villaverde Development Cooperative, while her husband Gabriel, a former Sangguniang Barangay member, is the current president of Villaverde Spring Water Association,” Adalin added.
The Marcela family edged other OFW families in Cagayan Valley after earning high points on the following criteria: wholesomeness of OFW family, success in education or profession of OFW and/or family members, success in managing family finances, and civic or community involvement of OFW and his/her family.
Manuel Roldan, Department of Labor and Employment regional director, also praised the regional winners of the MOFYA. He said their success stories should be shared during the pre-departure orientation seminars of OFWs to inspire them before their deployment.
