Filipina entrepreneur Malou Q. Prado has been nominated for The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – National Capital Region’s (OWWA-NCR) prestigious 2023 Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) in the Regional NCR category.
The MOFYA seeks to honor OFW families who excel in various areas, including community reputation, educational or professional achievement, civic participation, and financial management. The Prado family’s nomination is based on a series of impressive criteria:
- They are recognized as a cohesive family in their community.
- Malou’s inspiring journey from odd jobs to successful entrepreneurship showcases the family’s commitment to education and professional advancement.
- Their deep involvement in community events, notably organizing chartered flights to repatriate Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Successful management of family finances, as evidenced by their thriving business and properties both locally and abroad.
Key guidelines for the MOFYA require the OFW family head to have a minimum of four years’ overseas work experience and be known for stability within their locality. The family should also demonstrate financial stability.
Prado’s life story epitomizes the tenacity and determination of many overseas Filipino workers. From her early days selling smoked fish in Cavite, Philippines, and working factory jobs in Taiwan, she moved to Dubai in 2005. Despite initial challenges, Prado rose through the ranks, eventually establishing her travel and tourism company, MPQ Travel and Tourism, in 2013. The agency now has branches in Dubai, Las Vegas, USA, and the Philippines, employing a team of 20.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed severe challenges for the travel industry, but the Prados responded with agility. Their company was instrumental in organizing repatriation flights for Filipinos, reflecting their commitment to community service.
Behind this success story is not just Prado’s resilience but also the unwavering support of her husband, Robert Prado, who played a significant role in the business’s administrative and financial facets.
The MOFYA will award two exemplary OFW families per region, representing land-based and sea-based categories. The winners will advance to the national contest.
Reflecting on her journey, Prado shared, “Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and fostering a strong work ethic have been key factors in my achievements. I urge fellow entrepreneurs to be driven by passion and purpose, and never lose sight of their goals.”
