Thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), along with some family members converged at The Tent in Las Piñas City on Friday for a face-to-face summit sponsored by the Villar political family, ending a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 11th OFW and Family Summit 2022 with the theme “Bagong simula sa sariling bansa,” was designed to assist the OFWs and their families in wisely investing their hard-earned money and, in the process help in the country’s economic recovery.
The one-day conference was held at The Tent, Vista Global South, C5 Extension Road, Las Piñas City.
The event kicked off with ribbon cutting led by former Senate President Manny Villar, joined by his wife Senators Cynthia, and children Mark Villa, also a senator, and deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
Fr. Bobby Olaguer officiated the opening ceremony.
In her welcome remarks, Camille lauded the OFWs and their families for resiliency amid the “worst pandemic” that hit the country, saying they persisted and survived the huge challenge.
Sen. Mark and Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople also delivered special messages for the OFWs.
In a video message, Sen. Mark said the event does not only show the “commitment” of their family to OFWs and their families, but also their hardline stance that no pandemic can stop them in helping our modern-day heroes.
He also thanked the OFWs for their efforts and support to their family and the country.
Ople, for her part, hailed Sen. Cynthia Villar as a “champion of the OFWs” along with her family. “No doubt, they indeed love our migrant workers and their family,” she added.
Former Senate Pres. Manny thanked all the OFWs and their family and vowed of their unending help and support.
Sen. Cynthia expressed hopes that through the summit, they are able to give the OFWs and their families knowledge on wise spending and investments.
She said the speakers have given them inspiration to venture in their own businesses.
The one-day event was divided into three sessions.
Speakers for the first session which delved on “Innovative Ways to Earn Money” were Vicky Mojica, Founder of Angel’s Pizza; Raffy Fragante, Head of Customer Experience, AllEasy Go and Jennelle Pernia, Owner, Cheese Rolls by Miss J.
The speakers for Session 2 on OFW-turned successful entrepreneurs through government assistance were Dominador Arafiles Jr., owner, Juan PH Tees; Engr. Aldrin Cardenas, President, Sawat Overseas Workers and Families Association (SOWFA) and Chiddy Mugar, owner, CLB Construction Goods Trading.