First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has officially designated December as the “Month of Overseas Filipinos,” highlighting the vital contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the globe. To mark this observance, she shared a link to the digital platform wegivetheworldourbest.ph, showcasing eight inspiring stories of Filipinos who have left a significant mark in their host countries.
“December is officially the Month of Overseas Filipinos,” Mrs. Marcos posted on social media. “A time to celebrate and honor the incredible contributions of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).”
The campaign, “We Give the World Our Best,” initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications (OPACC) under filmmaker Paul Soriano, started with three stories and has now expanded to eight. These stories reflect themes of hope, dreams, and resilience.
Among the featured individuals is May Parsons, who became the first person to administer the Covid-19 vaccine globally and was honored by King Charles III for her services to healthcare. The stories also include teachers Shella and Ramil from the US — Shella was named US Aerospace Teacher of the Year for her work in inspiring students to engage in rocket science, while Ramil received New York City’s Big Apple Award for connecting with his students through dance.
In Europe, Dan Johnson, a barista in Rome, stands out for serving coffee with a touch of warmth and pride. Captain Jasmin, who commands a cargo vessel navigating Asia, Europe, and South America, represents the excellence of Filipino maritime professionals.
Dubai-based Chris exemplifies the dedication of over 450,000 Filipinos who have contributed to building the city, while Nurse Charm in the UK and Johnna in Hong Kong illustrate the compassion and reliability that OFWs bring to caregiving roles.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude to these “modern-day heroes,” recognizing them as vital ambassadors of Filipino values and talent.
“To our modern-day heroes, thank you for making us proud and for showing the world the true heart and talent of Filipinos,” she added.
