Press Release - Villar Family Honors Contributions of OFWs at 13th OFW and Family Summit

The Villar family paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at the 13th OFW and Family Summit, on Friday,November 8, held at The Tent in Las Piñas City

Over 4,000 OFWs and their family members participated in the Summit.

This year's theme "Tara Magnegosyo Na!" the summit urged the OFWs and their families to invest in local businesses and opportunities to maximize their hard-earned income.

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Villar Family together with OWAA Administrator Arnel Ignacio, DMW Asec.Venecio Legaspi and father Fr. Dennis Irisari of San Ezekiel parish.

House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar expressed heartfelt gratitude to the OFWs for their immense contributions to society.

"Lahat po kami taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyo at sa sakripisyo niyo," said Deputy Speaker Villar.

"Kaya para po sa inyo itong 13th OFW Summit, para kahit sa isang munting paraan, maipakita po naming ang pasasalamat sa inyo. Saludo po kami sa inyong sipag,tiyaga, dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa ating bayan" added Congresswoman Villar.

Senator Mark Villar on the other hand, assured OFWs and their families of sustained assistance and support, both personally and through legislative initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of OFWs. He highlighted the filing of Senate Bill 223 to provide credit assistance to employed OFWs and Senate Bill 1415 to establish an Assistance Fund for OFWs in distress.

"Kami po ay lubusang humahanga sa inyong pagsisikap upang mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang inyong mga pamilya sa kabila ng pagiging malayo sa kanila" said Senator Villar.

"Kaya naman po sa abot ng aming makakaya, kami po ay patuloy na magbibigay suporta sa ating mga kapatid na OFWs at sa inyong mga pamilya na maiiwan dito sa Pilipinas," he added.

Former Senate President Manny Villar, who started the said advocacy on OFW, expressed optimism about the progress made in protecting the OFW sector and stressed the need to enhance the financial and entrepreneurial skills of OFWs. He recognized the vital role of migrant workers in society and the economy, urging continued support for their endeavors.

"Natutuwa ako at umaangat