Parents of the Sons and Daughters of OFW (SDO) have been leaving their families in search for better overseas employment to provide better education and better life for them. These left-behind-children are reared by either single parents or foster parents, coping up with their loneliness specially in times of school activities, projects and even at times of  family celebrations.  They long for the presence of their parents.  Amidst these difficult times, these children strive to finish their studies, rise from these challenges and emerged to be better examples among some students whose parents are with them.

       
Last year, CBCP-ECMI launched the search for GAWAD Anak OFW.  The Archdiocese of Lipa had 10 entries from local Catholic schools.  Of all ten entries, 4 entered the regional to the national selection from which 2 made it to the finals of the “Ten Outstanding Sons and Daughters of OFW Awards”.  They were Mariella Rocillo of OLCA-Taal and Jennylyn Bantugon of St. Francis Academy of Mabini, Batangas.  Out of our 4 entries to the national selection, Armyr Encarnacion of SMEI along with Marilou Katigbak won the hearts of other nominees and Armyr was elected as the national president of the GAWAD ANAK.

This year, 2008-09, the search is on for GAWAD ANAK OFW.

The criteria for the selection are :

a.       Personality – personal/family profile - written autobiography.

b.      Leadership Qualities — Socio-civic/community involvement

c.       Academic performance — honors received

Nomination Criteria:

 A student to be eligible for nomination must have the following qualifications;

1.      High School student presently enrolled in either public or private school.

2.      Must be a child of an OFW presently working overseas of any status

 (permanent or temporary residents, legal or undocumented).

3.      Must be authorized and is given an endorsement by the school as its official entry.

4.      Must pass through the selection process before qualifying for GAWAD ANAK OFW.

No forms are given for nomination. Schools can use their logo for certification.

Documents of entries should be submitted in folders to Ms. June Inabayan  on or before March 3, 2009