Spearheaded by Welfare Officer Petrona Bergado, the celebration was marked by a simple ceremony starting with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and reading of messages of the Secretary of Labor and Employment and the Administrator of the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration.
It will be recalled that the celebration of the "Alay sa Manggagawa" (Migrant Workers' Day) is mandated by law, specifically Republic Act 8042, otherwise known as Migrant Workers Act of 1995.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Petronila P. Garcia, in her message, thanked Filipinos who voted in the recent overseas absentee voting stating that their vote is vital in nation building and that the right of suffrage is "one of the most important rights we enjoy some 112 years after our forefathers fought for the freedom that we now enjoy".
Ambassador Garcia noted that as a gesture of appreciation to their contribution to the Philippines, the Philippine Government dedicated this day to OFWs.
The free medical mission was facilitated by Dr. Gonen Haba, a general practitioner and a known friend of Filipino workers.
He is also one of the consistent supporters of the programs and activities of the Filipino Community in Israel. The services rendered consisted of free medical check up/consultation, blood sugar and urine sample analysis.
It was an opportunity for Filipinos to avail of free medical consultation/check up since medical services in Israel are very expensive.
A skills demonstration seminar was also simultaneously held at the Chancery grounds to provide OFWs with additional knowledge and skills that would prove beneficial to them, especially when applied to their work or when they decide to return to the Philippines.
The first module was facilitated by Ms. Merlyn Padilla, caregiver and reflexologist, who shared her knowledge and skills on reflexology.
She noted that this knowledge is a plus factor for caregivers since the skill can be applied to their respective employers.
Another module was sushi-making. Ms. Maricel D. Albania, wife of Mr. Rex Albania, an attaché of the Embassy, demonstrated her skills in making sushi. Dozens of OFWs said that they were interested in learning the skill.
The last module was facilitated by Ms. Minerva Villanueva, also a caregiver and an active Filpino Community leader. She showcased her talent in the art of paper folding and, at the same time, provided some useful tips in caregiving.
Labor counseling, legal advice and SSS/PAGIBIG information booth/tables were also set up to cater the needs of our workers in Israel. END