COTABATO CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan salutes the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families and reaffirms his commitment to support programs which will ensure their welfare and well-being as well as their families.

This was the message of Ampatuan during the 14th Migrant Workers Day on Sunday, June 7, 2009 here delivered by Atty. Norodin Kasim, Executive Director of the Overseas Development Assistance in the ARMM.

“Indeed, our OFWs are a national treasure and under my leadership, I am giving my full support in joining Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in their programs and services to protect and ensure the welfare and well-being of our beloved OFWs and their families,” he said.

This year’s theme of the Migrant Workers Day Celebration, “Araw ng Pasasalamat, Pagpupugay sa Kakayahan at Talino ng Pinoy Expat”.

In the ARMM, Ampatuan said, the remittances of OFWs have greatly helped in stabilizing local economy by increasing investments, domestic consumption and bring about more potential business opportunities.

He also acknowledged that remittances from OFWs have greatly helped the Autonomous Regional Government in its continuous effort to provide a sustainable social development for the people in the region through quality health and education services.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) –ARMM Secretary Emmanuel Alano said, “We should say thank you to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for their support given to our economy.”

Alano added that the OFW, who are considered “modern-day heroes” are remitting some P60-B to the country every year.

He added that OWWA-ARMM has programs to ensure health and insurance benefits of the OFWs and their families.

Under the Insurance and Health care benefits, the OFW gets a life insurance and burial benefit, disability and dismemberment benefits.

During the “Araw ng Pasasalamat”, on June 7, 2009, the OWWA-ARMM gave recognition to children of OFWs who excel in their chosen courses under the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program and Tuloy-Aral Program.

The Migrant Workers Day Celebration was attended by more than 3,000 families and dependents of OFWs from the province of Maguindanao. Last December 2008, OWWA-ARMM celebrated OFW Family Day Pamaskong Handong with families and dependents of OFWs from the province of Tawi-Tawi.

“We have so much to thank for our OFWs and their families. Not only does your sacrifice redound to economic and social development of the region and the nation but you also bring us pride through your courage, perseverance, integrity and competence at work in different parts of the globe,” Ampatuan ends. (bpi-armm)