Philippine Consul General Imelda Panolong, center, with Gawad Dangal organizers in Jeddah.

The search for 10 outstanding overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Western Region is on.

Launched this week, the 2015 Search for Gawad Dangal (Pride of the Philippines) is a joint undertaking of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah together with the OFW Cooperative Council (OFWCC), the Kabalikat Civicom and TSFJ groups.

Consul General Imelda Panolong said the awards are to be handed out on Dec. 11 at the consulate grounds as part of the OFW Month celebrations. The Philippine government has declared December of every year as OFW Month as a tribute to Filipino workers worldwide “for their significant role and contribution in national and local development.”

OFWCC Chairman Mar Par Jr. said nominations will be limited to household workers, low-wage workers and helpers, the “unsung heroes” who give pride to the Philippines for their dedication, honesty and diligence at work despite low pay and often harsh working conditions.

Pre-qualification criteria include at least 2-year experience working overseas, no past or present criminal records, and of good moral character or has received previous recognition for exemplary behavior or outstanding service.

Additional criteria include proof of competence, manifestation of love for work, concern for the company and co-workers, good deeds done to fellow OFWs, and history of heroic acts or deed. In addition, the nominee must have proven that his or her status in life was never a hindrance to achieving success. The nominee’s testimonial must also showcase how he/she was able to surpass the hardships of working overseas.

Three special awards will also be given to nominees who have worked or have been involved in the promotion, preservation and development of Filipino culture and the arts overseas; excelled in work as an artist abroad thereby earning recognition, adulation or honor for Filipino artistry and talent; and earned recognition from international competition and/or won in any contest that gave pride to the OFWs in the Western Region.

“The testimony must be compelling enough to lift up the spirit of the OFWs and must maintain being a low profile despite of achievements received,” according to the awards guidelines.

For more information about the criteria, call 0556373126 or 0535681092.

Nominations may be made either by the employer, the OFW himself/herself, co-workers and other reputable individuals or institutions. Nominations have to be e-mailed/submitted on or before Nov. 14, 2015 to [email protected].

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