A ceremony to mark “Migrant Workers Day” was held in the Consulate General of Philippine in Jeddah recently with more than 300 Filipinos representing various community organizations. According to the Philippine Republic Act 8042, June 7 is always celebrated as “Migrant Workers Day”. It is a historical Act declared in 1995 when the government of Philippine recognized the migrant workers contribution in the development of the country and declared a law that put into place the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos and their families. This year the Consulate celebrated the event on June 4 instead of June 7 for the convenience of the community. The celebration, dubbed ‘Araw ng Pasasalamat' or day of thanks with the theme “OFWs: Tagumpay sa Hamon ng Panahon, Kaagapay sa Pagsulong”, came a week before the celebration of the 112th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and was organized by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and OWWA in Jeddah in coordination with the Philippine Consulate. The function started with the national anthem of the country. Labor attaché Mr. Vicente M. Cabe officially welcomed the guests, followed by messages from the administrator and Philippine Labor Secretary Marianito Roque. “With sincerest appreciation and tribute to all Philippine migrants and all OFW families” he said, “we acknowledge OFW remittances as an essential factor that keeps our country's economy afloat, and are mindful that their skills and talents are equally significant. These tributes are imperative tools that have propelled growth and development in their host countries.” On behalf of the Department of Labor and Employment, he wished all Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia a meaningful Migrant's Worker's Day. Consul General Ezzadin Tago also spoke to the community and wished it well on Migrant's Worker's Day. “Every year it is the community that organizes and performs on this day. This year, the Consulate wanted to do something for the community and prepared this program to honor Filipinos, with performances by the Consulate and Labor officials, in appreciation of Filipino expatriates in the Kingdom,” he said, and called all the consulate staff on stage and introduced them to the community. Welfare Officer Madam Nini Lanto read the message of Overseas Worker Welfare Administration. She threw light on the history and importance of Filipino migrant's day and illustrated the important involvement of migrants in the country's economy and progress. A short documentary was screen in the ceremony which showed a brief description of country's languages, culture and their contributions in the world labor market. At the start of cultural programs the United Bangsamoro Council presented a vibrant Kulintang Musical Ensemble performed by the Maranao group. Vernabe Labao, last year's winner of the Himig ng Kalayaan Contest, rendered an original Pinoy song. Ten-year-old Farrah, the daughter of Vice Consul Mary Jennifer Domingo Dingal, performed a wonderful Itik-itik dance in classical ballet, which was followed by a song number by representatives of PAG-IBIG, SSS, the Trade Representative and the Haj Attache. Consulate staff and dependents, including their children then displayed colorful traditional Philippine costumes in a short parade. The evening's finale was a surprise set of three songs composed and performed by Consul Leo Tito Ausan Jr. who led Consulate personnel Elsa Masa, Rafael Reyes and his wife Eumelia, Berlin Tolosa in a premiere performance dedicated to the community. All those attending were included in an exciting raffle draw that included 4 flat LCD TVs and any other items.
