Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Marino handed the awards to outstanding OFWs Jose S. Balbin, Alejandro A. Caraig, Julieta S. Daquioag, Feliciano G. Dela Cruz Jr., William J. Dela Cruz, Reynaldo U. Fortus, Roberto Hernandez, Ramon C. Garcia, Francisca N. Llaban, Reynante N. Lobres, Zenaida M. Munoz, Marconie H. Ngirutang, Rogie Mario N. Salazar, Romeo A. Simon and Jael J. Villegas.
The OFWs who have been in Palau for more than ten years were recognized for their excellence in their chosen fields of profession which enhanced the good image and prestige of the OFW in Palau. They were commended for improving the quality of life of their families in the Philippines.Some of them are married to a Palauan.The Philippine Embassy also gave a posthumous award to Willie Watanabe, a Palauan artist for his bravery and courage in trying to save his friend Rodel C. Marco, a Filipino worker from drowning on March 23, 2008.Marco a graphic artist at the WCTC was drowned while swimming under the Palau-Japan Friendship Bridge. Watanabe also lost his life when he tried to rescue Marco.The posthumous award was received by Willie’s mother Irene Watanabe.The OFWs also gave a plaque of appreciation to Ambassador Marino for his dedication to serve the Filipino workers in Palau.Balbin has been a bookkeeper for 22 years at the Belau Transfer Terminal Company and a part time airport security screener for five years while Caraig is a Cadastral Surveyor at the Bureau of Lands and Surveys for 17 years now.Daquioag has been working loyally to Taunton family for 18 years now as a domestic helper. Dela Cruz Jr. a Project Manager of FR Construction Company has been working in the field of civil and electrical engineering in Palau for 17 years in different companies.Dela Cruz a butcher for 13 years at Surangel and Sons Company has been in Palau for almost 20 years.Fortus who has been working as a baker in Palau for 18 years has been living here for more than 20 years also. Hernandez is a musician for 17 years and is working at Palau Royal Resort.Garcia is a professor at the Palau Community College for 32 years now while Llaban is one of the oldest beauticians who set foot in the island. She has been a beautician for 19 years.Lobres was a grand champion in Contemporary & Futuristic Attire Dressmaking and Dress Designing during the Koror Constitutional Day. Munoz who is presently employed as a Hotel Manager at the Carolines Resort rose from the ranks for being a hardworking and purpose driven career woman.Ngirutang is a businesswoman for more than 20 years, Salazar a beautician for 17 years, Simon a carpenter for 19 years and Villegas a Senior Accountant at the Koror State Government for 12 years.This year’s Independence Day’s theme was “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan.”
