FILIPINOS IN RIYADH AND NEIGHBORING AREAS CELEBRATE MIGRANT WORKERS’ DAY

13 June 2006. – The Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Filipino workers in Riyadh and neighboring areas celebrated the tenth Year Anniversary of the Migrant Workers’ Day at the Philippine Embassy grounds on 9 June 2006 as a prelude to the commemoration of the 108^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2006.

With the theme “Manggagawang Pilipino Sa Ibayong Dagat: Bayan Mo, Nagpupugay Sa Iyo,” the Philippine Embassy tasked the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) as Overall Coordinator of the event with the assistance of Welfare Officers Messrs. Armando A. Roa and Manuel Mamerto “Boo” L. Mercado III.  The United OFW Association of Saudi Arabia, the biggest Filipino community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), along with Filipino groups and organizations in the Kingdom, cooperated in making the one-day affair a success.

In his brief remarks at the opening ceremony, Charge d’ Affaires, a.i., Nestor N. Padalhin honored the 7 to 8 million OFWs around the world, more than a million of whom are in Saudi Arabia as “modern-day heroes”.   He thanked them for helping the Philippine economy not only through their remittances but also through their foreign friends whom they invite as tourists and investors in the Philippines.

Among the activities participated in by over 1,000 OFWs were OAV Registration, POLO-OWWA Services, Free Medical & Dental Services, Libreng Tawag sa Pilipinas, Invitational Table Tennis, Open Women’s Volleyball, Mascot Design Arts Contest, Search for Miss United OFW KSA, Raffle Draw & Give Away Items, and social functions.

Outgoing Labor Attaché to Riyadh Manuel C. Roldan read the message of OWWA Administrator Marianito D. Roque during the celebration which was also attended by incoming Labor Attaché Rustico “Resty” S.M. Dela Fuente. END

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