Press Release No. 30-2016
(Jeddah, 31 October 2016)- Saudi Arabia-based Marciano and Josephine Par and family, was named Jollibee-Coca-Cola OFW (overseas Filipino worker) Global Pinoy Family of the Year Awardee for their mission to empower underprivileged Filipinos in the Philippines and the Middle East. They were among the six model families who were awarded during the 6th Jollibee Family Values Awards’ (JFVA) Gabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino, held on 07 October 2016 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
Organized by the country’s leading fast food brand, Jollibee, the search for the 6th JFVA recognized the family that best exemplify positive Filipino values such as generosity, compassion, creativity, resourcefulness, love for the community, love for the environment and strong ties, among other traits. It is a nationwide search for outstanding families who collectively work together towards meaningful pursuits that serve as an inspiration to others. Distinguished personalities made up this year’s esteemed JFVA board of judges, headed by Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV as chairman.
The awardees all received a cash prize of P 300,000.00, a trophy designed by world-class brass sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P 10,000.00 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. The Par family, who was the only family in the Top 6 who is based overseas, also received free roundtrip tickets for the whole family, free 5-star hotel accommodation with transportation during their stay in the Philippines, souvenir items, and an all-expense paid vacation.
The Par family members are active in the OFW Cooperative Council (OFWCC), an NGO recognized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to conduct Pre-Membership Education Seminars on Cooperative. The group which was headed previously by Marciano serves the interest of the Filipino community by giving Free seminar courses on Financial Literacy & business opportunities, handicraft training, special courses on Computer literacy and other seminar in line with the Philippine government’s Re-integration program for OFWs under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General, POLO and OWWA in Jeddah.
Marciano works in a private company in Jeddah while Josephine is an assistant teacher in one of the accredited Philippine schools in Jeddah where their 2 children study. During their stay in the KSA, they have been very active in supporting the cultural programs of the Consulate and assist stranded OFWs by giving feeding program and other activities.
During the Thanksgiving- Victory Dinner hosted by the OFWCC in honor of the Par family held on 21 October 0216 at the La Parilla Restaurant in Jeddah, Marciano (who is fondly called by friends as “Mar”) said that his family did not expect to receive any recognition for the community services they give to the needy families in the Philippines as well as the less fortunate OFWs in Jeddah community. He further said that his family is motivated to help others because Marciano once experienced being unemployed and begging for food just to make both ends meet.
Consul General Imelda M. Panolong congratulated Mar and his family and said that the award that the Jollibee gave to the family serves as a confirmation of the value and the significance of the service in the community that the family gives and for which the award was given. She also said that the award is not only for the Par family but it is an award that they share with all their colleagues, friends in the community and fellow Filipino groups in Jeddah community who specifically share in their advocacy to provide assistance to the needy. She underscored that more than the award, it is the satisfaction that comes from knowing that their family’s and OFWCC’s efforts bore fruits and changed the lives of their kababayans who otherwise would not have had that opportunity to better their lives, is what actually matters. END
