‘Handog’ being extended to all OFWs

The Philippine government’s Christmas treat to vacationing overseas Filipino workers from around the world is now being offered to each OFW arriving in Manila international airports for the holiday season.

Through its Pick-A-Gift Promo, all OFWs returning home for the holidays will receive promotional items such as. pens, umbrellas, and caps, among many others. Some 20 TV sets would also be given away to lucky OFWs. One TV set is up for grabs each day within the promo dates.

The Philippine Consulate general said that the Pick-A-Gift Promo would start from Dec. 18 and will end on Dec. 31.

Each vacationing OFW will be given a stub which they will then fill out and drop at a designated gift box or bowl situated in a strategic place at the airport.

“Lucky winners will proceed to the OWWA Assistance Counters for their gifts,” said OWWA. The promo will be conducted in all international airports in the Philippines during the Philippine government’s “Pamaskong Salubong,” the Consulate said.

Eligible OFWs will have to wear the stickers that POLO will be handing out when they get their Overseas Employment Certificates.

Philippine Overseas Labor Office Labor Representative Joan Lourdes Lavilla said the small stickers are for the shirts while the large stickers are for the luggage.

The stickers will differentiate the vacationing OFWs from other “balikbayans” and will be the basis for the lucky OFW to win a Christmas package from the Philippine government.

For the “Pamaskong Salubong,” vacationing OFWs will have the chance to win special prizes such as jeepneys, tricycles and color TV sets.

The “Pamaskong Salubong” will also be held in international airports in Cebu, Davao, Zamboanga and Clark, Pampanga.

Over 100 Filipino workers from the CNMI take the holiday off to be with their families every year.

The Consulate said the “Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs 2006” would be launched on Dec. 18, with the theme “Pistang Pasko sa Pamilyang OFW.”

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will lead the kick-off of the program at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Other projects for this holiday season include: the OFW Family Day celebration in all 17 regions in the Philippines; Model OFW Family of the Year Award, “OWWAish Ko Lang;” and other special events where the Philippine government will have tie-ups with Philippine media groups.