Filipino workers overseas continue to reap recognition and accolades for their exemplary industry and work ethics even in the face of the global pandemic, the labor department reported on Thursday.
And Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III is all praises to the growing roster of OFWs being awarded by host countries for performing their jobs well despite the challenges posed by the health crisis.
Bello received a report that another group of five OFWs was given recognition this week, this time by the Kaohsiung Bureau of Labor Affairs in Taiwan. Earlier, the Taipei City government also awarded two Filipina workers for their dedication and outstanding contribution to improved work condition during the pandemic.
“True to what our OFWs are known for, our modern-day heroes are unfailing in giving the country honors. They make the Filipino nation and President Duterte even more proud,” Bello said.
“For their exemplary deeds, we are most grateful,” he added.
In a report to Bello, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kaohsiung said the five OFWs employed in the manufacturing and careworking industries were among only 20 migrant workers and 55 Taiwanese employees in the city awarded distinction as 2020 Outstanding Workers.
Careworker Estrella Arado Jalgalado and factory workers Jenalyn del Rosario, Nelda Untalan Arellano, Tomas Joel Miquiabas, and Benjie Avenida Bituin were feted by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai in a ceremony organized by the Bureau of Labor Affairs at the Kaohsiung Grand Hotel.
During the ceremonies, Mayor Chen assured Labor Attaché Rustico SM de la Fuente of his help on concerns affecting Filipino workers.
“Having Taiwanese nationals and foreign workers together in this annual event showcases the non-discriminatory labor laws and good employment practices in Taiwan,” de la Fuente said.
The award represents the Kaohsiung government’s recognition of the diligence of the city’s foreign workers who are mostly employed in the manufacturing, construction, and care service industries.
Earlier last week, two Pinay workers received the Outstanding Migrant Workers by the Taipei City’s Labor Affairs Department.
Evelyn G. Kaguitla, a factory worker, and Amelia A. Comilang, a careworker, were given the citation by Taipei City Mayor Hou You-Yi during the Taipei annual recognition ceremony for exemplary workers.