Pinoy family honored for helping fellow OFWs in Saudi Arabia

A Filipino couple in Saudi Arabia was recently honored for their advocacy in empowering their underprivileged kababayans both in the Philippines and Middle East.

In a ceremony held in Manila last October 7, Marciano and Josephine Par were awarded 2016 Outstanding Global Filipino Family of the Year by Filipino fastfood brand Jollibee.

The Par family topped over 300 other candidates for the award, which was part of the Search for 6th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA). They were the only family in the Top 6 who was based overseas.

The six model families all receive a cash prize of P300,000, a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates.

"For me this is an answered prayer," said Marciano. "The cash that I received will be used for the operation of my sister's goiter and I am really thankful first to our Lord and second to Jollibee. I will treasure this award for the rest of my life."

Aside from the major prizes, the Par family also received free roundtrip tickets for the whole family, free 5-start hotel accommodation with transportation during their stay in the Philippines, souvenir items, and an all-expense paid vacation.

The JFVA aims to recognize deserving families who best exemplify positive Filipino family values such as generosity, compassion, creativity, resourcefulness, love for the community, love for environment, and strong ties, among other traits.

It is a nationwide search for outstanding Filipino families who collectively work together towards meaningful pursuits that serve as an inspiration to others,

The Par family started their community services in Jeddah where Marciano is working at a private company.

Marciano first became an active member of the OFW Cooperative Council (OFWCC), a non-government organization recognized by Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to conduct Pre-Membership Education Seminars on Cooperative.

He later headed the OFWCC where he served the interest of the Filipino community by giving free seminars on financial literacy, handicraft training and special courses, among others.

Through the advocacy of Ang Kaagapay ng Bawat OFW, Marciano started his community service by helping distressed OFWs. —Ronaldo Concha/KBK, GMA News