The Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino (DMP) sa UAE 2025 has officially entered the Deliberation Round, moving one step closer to honoring this year’s most outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates. Now on its fifth season, the flagship initiative of Pinas Cargo continues to spotlight the sacrifices, achievements, and resilience of Filipino workers abroad.
From nominations to deliberation
The search began with a media conference in June 2025, followed by an online nomination period that ran from July 1 to August 20, 2024. Nearly 200 nominations poured in, each sharing the inspiring journey of an OFW. From these entries, 20 semi-finalists were carefully selected based on the strength and validity of their stories.
This year’s semi-finalists include Winston Parandas (Abu Dhabi), Marietta Bato (Fujairah), Cipriano Parubrub (Abu Dhabi), Reina Denisse Regencia (Al Ain), Joselito Dizon (Ajman), Kennibeth Libiran (Ajman), Evelyn Dela Cruz (Dubai), Mariveth Kong (Dubai), Mark Gerald Jore (Dubai), Liza Plantado (Dubai), Meriam Cortel (Dubai), Chona Fabian (Dubai), Felicisima Demetrio (Dubai), and Jackielou Espiritu (Dubai).
Stories of sacrifice and triumph
During the deliberation round, the semi-finalists presented their personal accounts of hardship, perseverance, and success—powerful testimonies of why they deserve the title Dakila. Their narratives reflected the program’s core values: Dakila sa Pamilya, Dakila sa Trabaho, Dakila sa Komunidad, and Dakila sa Pananampalataya.
The panel of deliberators was composed of respected leaders and professionals, including Joselito “Daddy Blue” Echivarria, a well-loved radio presenter and Pinas Cargo Brand Ambassador; Ricky Amante, a licensed chemical engineer with over 20 years of leadership in supply chain; Atty. Rowena Agabbao, a seasoned legal director, entrepreneur, and multi-awarded leader; and Evangeline “Asiyah” Monjardin, a veteran entrepreneur and Chairwoman of the Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates.
Honoring perseverance and love for family
Pinas Group of Companies Founder and CEO Marlyn Castro, alongside HR and Marketing Manager Rumelyn Aribon, praised the semi-finalists for embodying the strength and selflessness of Filipino workers. They highlighted the honorees’ perseverance, commitment to their work, and deep love for family as defining traits of a Dakila awardee.
The road to the grand finals
From the Top 20, only 10 finalists will advance to the official DMP journey—an activity-filled celebration designed to honor their contributions. The ultimate winner will be declared Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino sa UAE 2025 and will receive nearly AED 20,000 worth of cash prizes and giveaways.
The program also enjoys strong backing from the community and its partners. Co-presented by Tristar Group, represented by Head of Corporate Communications Art Los Baños, this year’s edition is supported by media partners MPD, UBE Production, The Global Filipino Magazine, Chris Daymon, Love, Josie, and The Filipino Correspondent Network (TFCN).
The Top 10 finalists are expected to be announced within the next day, ushering in the next phase of a journey that continues to honor the resilience, spirit, and greatness of every Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino in the UAE.
