QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Bagong Bayani Foundation Inc. (BBFI) will give due recognition to outstanding and exemplary overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the 2023 Bagong Bayani Awards on Wednesday, 23 August 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
“The Bagong Bayani Awards is not just a recognition of exemplary OFWs but more so a manifestation of our strengthened commitment as a united community that aims to uplift OFW communities all around the world,” DMW OIC Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia said.
“The DMW is honored to join the BBFI in honoring their sacrifices and hard work, most especially in promoting the integrity and professionalism of our Filipino workers,” he added.
The Bagong Bayani Awards aim to recognize and honor OFWs who embody the Filipino worker's professionalism and excellence, as well as acknowledge the exemplary deeds done in their respective communities, and the valuable contributions of these to the economic development of the country.
The five award categories include the Outstanding Employee Award, Community and Social Service Award, Culture and the Arts Award, Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award, and the Blas F. Ople Award para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani.
Back in 1983, it was President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. who instructed the then, Ministry of Labor and Employment through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to institute an annual Bagong Bayani Awards for exemplary service or performance of Filipino workers overseas and to organize a foundation for this purpose.
Since 1989, the BBA has recognized 1,665 outstanding OFWs, who set examples for the OFW communities to emulate and bring pride and honor to the Filipino nation.
The awarding ceremony will be live streamed on the DMW Facebook page. (dmw/pia-ncr)
