03 May 2006 – The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy marked National Domestic Workers’ Day  on Sunday, 30 April 2006, with the holding of a Recognition Ceremony for the first two courses of the Embassy’s OWWA Livelihood Program for this year.

During the program held at the official residence of the Philippine Ambassador in Brunei, the “Ang Bahay”, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez congratulated the 75 participants in the courses “How to Start Your Own Business and Become a Successful Entrepreneur” held in March and the “Basic Computer Literacy” held in April.   Both courses were conducted at the Philippine Embassy Chancery by the officers and members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Brunei Chapter, this time under the leadership of its new president, Nhomie Llena-Roxas. (Please refer to accompanying photo release on this subject matter.)

Ambassador Benavidez pointed out that a significant number of the Livelihood Program participants are from the domestic services sector.  Thus, the holding of the recognition ceremony to coincide with the Philippines’ celebration of National Domestic Workers’ Day conveys very effectively the Philippine Government’s continuing efforts at empowering the most vulnerable and marginalized sector of the Filipino workforce abroad and providing them with valued opportunities to upgrade their skills.  Ambassador Benavidez likewise stated that for 2006, the Embassy’s Livelihood courses will focus on advance entrepreneurship, computer literacy, financial planning and possible investment schemes for OFWs, first-aid learning, and other relevant activities.

To likewise commemorate Labor Day, Ambassador Benavidez concluded her inspirational remarks with the reading of the Labor Day message of Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, while Post’s Labor Attaché Aida Estabillo read the message of Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas.

The recognition ceremony ended with lively singing fellowship and a sumptuous reception.  The Filipino workers were profuse in their thanks for the benefits they derive from the Embassy’s Livelihood Program and the holding of the Recognition Ceremonies at the Ambassador’s Residence where they all said they felt very much at home and proud to be Filipinos as they enjoyed the Filipino ambience and the talent and creativity showcased in the furniture and decorations at the “Ang Bahay”.   END