PRESS RELEASE
WDC-38-2026
07 July 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Washington, D.C. (MWO-OWWA Washington, D.C.), in collaboration with the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Aruba, successfully celebrated the 31st Filipino Migrant Workers Day in Paradera, Aruba, on 14 June 2026. The event gathered 247 Filipino migrant workers in a commemorative celebration recognizing their dedication, resilience, and vital contributions to nation-building.
The celebration, the first ever held in Aruba, carried the theme “Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan,” highlighting shared nationhood and identity, courage and resilience, and the collective responsibility of Filipino migrant workers. It featured video messages of appreciation and solidarity from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan. Their messages underscored the importance of Filipino migrant workers, whose labor, professionalism, and commitment contribute significantly to both their host countries and the Philippines.
A highlight of the event was the singing competition among eight talented Filipino migrants who competed for the “Sing-Galing Mo, OFW” top prize. The competition showcased the contestants’ artistry and musical talent, keeping the crowd energized and engaged throughout the program. Seventy-one door prizes were also raffled off, adding to the event’s festive and community-oriented atmosphere.
During the event, Honorary Consul General Ami Henriquez-Mendez expressed sincere appreciation to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., through MWO-OWWA, for bringing the Migrant Workers Day celebration to Aruba. In his message, Labor Attaché Saul De Vries noted that the annual celebration of Migrant Workers Day in June coincides with the commemoration of Philippine Independence Day. He emphasized that the two observances are closely intertwined, as both provide an opportunity for Filipinos to renew their love of country and honor the heroism of both their forefathers and Filipino migrant workers.
Welfare Officer Mae Codilla, who spearheaded the event preparations, noted that many overseas Filipino workers across the Caribbean remain unaware of the annual Migrant Workers Day celebration. She said that by organizing the event, the Philippine government aims to ensure that these communities feel recognized and understand that their contributions and sacrifices are deeply valued.
The Migrant Workers Day celebration served as the culmination of the two-day OFW Information and Service Caravan conducted by the MWO-WDC team, composed of Labor Attaché De Vries, Welfare Officer Codilla, Ms. Freya Palad, and Mr. Oliver Flores. During the caravan, the team assisted workers with the verification of individual employment contracts and the processing of OWWA membership enrollment and renewals.
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