Press Release
November 26, 2008

Villar throws welcome party for repatriated, maltreated OFWs

Nacionalista Party President Sen. Manny Villar threw a welcome party for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who suffered maltreatment in Abu Dhabi and who were finally able to return to the country today after Villar shouldered their plane fares.

The 30 Filipino migrant workers who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via Cathay Pacific flight CX 901 were: Ma. Cristina Eti, Verlie Castillo, Elma Pugao, Joy Estacio, Maricar Ermita, Mary Grace Borja, Haquir Dudin, Aida Bayan, Salumbai Abdul, Aleli Campo, Ginaria Pakil, Irene Pangon, Maricel Patigayon, Maribeth Salangsang, Aloha Gumanay, Analyn Sarac, Leonor Ellacer, Mary Ann Bonzato, Marigel Dionela, Liza Plotado, Esmeralda Ugcal, Laila Talipasan, Lilibeth Biado, Agnes Aguilar, Nancy Sipin, Marites Abogado, Maricris Castillo, Lynfe Pesales, Sunshine Pineda, and Vilma Paat.

Villar himself fetched them at the airport where the senator and the OFWs' relatives who were earlier contacted by Villar's office gave them a warm welcome.

In view of the nearing birthday of Villar on Dec. 13 and the yuletide season, the OFWs were treated by the senator to a luncheon at the Singing Cooks and Waiters, Atbp. Restaurant in Roxas Boulevard. They also received gift packages from Villar, who also gave away raffle prizes.

"Getting you home and back to the arms of your families and loved ones in time for the approaching Christmas give me sheer fulfillment," Villar told the OFWs, "Your safe arrival is also the best advance birthday gift to me," added Villar.

The senator, who recently received the highest satisfaction ratings among government leaders, also sponsored the transportation fares of the 30 OFWs who were returning to their provinces.

Villar has been voluntarily shouldering the costs of repatriation of severely distressed and sick workers not only from Abu Dhabi but also from Jordan, Bahrain and other Middle East countries. He has also given livelihood assistance to deserving indigent OFWs to help them recover from their misfortune abroad. The senator's efforts are part of his program for the protection and welfare of OFWs which he started three decades ago while in the private sector.

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