Overseas Filipino Wokers In Brunei Bags Award
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Jesse James A. Agustin, a Filipino working in Brunei, was one of several overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) honoured by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for his effort in establishing an international office of the Social Security System (SSS) for OFWs in the sultanate.

He was presented with the 2005 Bagong Bayani Award in a simple ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace in Manila last December 1.

The Bagong Bayani Awards honours the country's exemplary overseas Filipino workers.

It seeks to recognise and pay tribute to OFWs for their significant efforts in fostering goodwill among peoples of the world, and enhancing and promoting the image of the Filipino as a competent, responsible and dignified worker.

The award also honours outstanding OFW’s for their contribution to the socio-economic development of their respective communities and the country as a whole.

This year's awards were given in four categories: Outstanding Employee, Community and Social Service, Culture and Performing Arts, and the Blas F. Ople Award para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani.

Assisting the President in the awards presentation were Labour Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, President of Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. Gregorio Oca, and Susana Ople, wife of the late Senator Blas F. Ople.

Also present was Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz.

The 2005 Bagong Bayani awardees are Zenaida E. Batillano, Lugen Ortillano, Melvin J. Malvar, Jaime C. King, Veronica C. Ugates, the crew of MV Merino Express, George R. Palenca and Marlon Joseph C. Molina (Bagong Bayani Awards for Outstanding Employee), the crew of MV Stolt Capability, Jesse James A. Agustin, Leonor Mohammad F. Gile (Bagong Bayani Awards for Community and Social Service), and Gerico A. Canlapan (Bagong Bayani Awards for Culture and Performing Arts).

Batillano also received the Blas F. Ople Award para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani for helping Filipinos be hired for supervisory and management positions in her company.

The awardees were selected from nominations by co-workers, OFW organisations, foreign employers and NGOs from various worksites in Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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