ZAMBOANGA CITY — Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) named Engr. Mohammad Ali S. Urao as a recipient of the Special Award for Outstanding Achievements in Community Projects during the 2018 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) National Awarding held at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace on December 5, 2018.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte together with Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III and OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac conferred the said award to Engr Urao whose family was also there to receive the award. Also present during the conferment were OWWA 9 Officers – Ms. Araceli C. Saavedra, Officer-in-Charge and Ms. Rosellie A. Florida, Programs and Services Division Head.

The award given to Engr. Urao and family is based on the impact of implemented projects in the community, leadership in implementing community projects, active involvement/participation in community, people’s organizations such as the government, non-government and church-based; and awards/citations received by the OFW and/or family members.

According to Engr. Urao, a large portion of his time is doing social service works, often times tied to his advocacy and beliefs.

Among Engr. Urao’s affiliations include Multi-Sector Governance Council Task Force Zamboanga, Advisory Council Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, PNP 9, Zamboanga Peace and Security Forum; Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Advocates, Inc., Secretariat to the Grand Mufti of the Darul Ifta for Region 9 and Palawan, Inc. and Kilusang Pagbabago Zamboanga City Chapter.

Prior to the National Awarding, Engr. Urao and his family was proclaimed as the 2018 MOFYA Regional Winner for Land Based Category during the Regional Awards Ceremony last September 29, 2018 at Ibiza Ballroom, Palacio del Sur, Gov. Camins, Zamboanga City.

Engr. Urao garnered a rate of 95% based on (1) Wholesomeness of the OFW family; (2) Civic/Community involvement of OFW and family; (3) Success in OFW and/or family members in education or profession; and (4) Success in managing family finances. END/With reports from Fatima Jane Salihuddin, OWWA 9