Search for outstanding Filipino community leaders in Jeddah begins

The Kongreso Ng Kapulungan Ng Mga Samahang Pilipino (KASAPI) community group in Jeddah has launched the search for the 2008 outstanding Filipino Community Leaders at the International Philippine School in Jeddah. The affair was attended by Consul General Ezzedin Tago, Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong, Asst. Labor Attachés Adam Mussa and Wesley Gacutan and OWWA Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo. The program started with the induction of 2008 Officers of the KASAPI Congress by Consul General Tago, followed by inspiring song and dance numbers from the winners of the Kabayan Idols 2007, Caroline Fernandez, IPSJ dance troupe, Pretty Young Teens, HKGO with the special participation of the Reef Influence Band, Impressive Luks, Meriam Someli, Ping and other surprise guest under the tutelage of their Production Director Cesar Macaranas, Production Manager Don Cuaresma and the Overall Production and Program in charge Edgar Mendoza. The show was hosted by Erwin Reyes, with the Association of the World Class Filipino Chef providing the food. The affair also served as a welcome party to Consul General Tago who assumed office two months ago. Johari Usman, current chairman of Kasapi Congress, said that while the event is to honor the outstanding Filipino community leaders who served for the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers, it was also meant to raise funds for distressed OFWs, especially those who are languishing in jails. "It's time to honor again our community leaders as it will also serve as an inspiration for others to do more for the benefits of our countrymen," he said. Rudy Dianalan said in his speech that the search aims to recognize the outstanding achievements and historic deeds of fellow overseas Filipino workers based in the western region of Saudi Arabia that bring honor to the Filipino people and promote the reputation of OFWs. He said any member or officer of a currently recognized association, organization or group in the Philippine Consulate can be nominated. He/she must be active in their affiliated group and who has achieved exemplary performance and achievements that benefit not only their constituents but likewise the Filipino Community. OFCOL committee members, board of judges, chairman, vice chairman, secretary general and advisers of KASAPI congress are disqualified from being nominated or to field nominees for OFCOL. Nominations should be current. He further stressed that anybody who is active in the community can nominate a possible OFCOL 2008 awardee by forwarding a completed official nomination form and other supporting papers to the committee. Making testimonials on behalf of a nominee should not be related up to third degree of consanguinity or affinity. Such nomination and testimonies shall be subject to verification by the committee with the person to be their own, of their free will, and without undue influence other than the remarkable success of the nominee. Dianalan said that the criteria in choosing the outstanding Filipino will be based on his achievement or heroic deeds as an overseas contract workers and has greatly contributed to 1) Enhancing the image of the association, organization, or group he/she is affiliated with and as whole, Filipinos as highly competent and responsible workers. 2) Improving the well-being in the Filipino Community 3) Promoting better relations between the Philippines and the host country and other expatriate communities. Mechanics of selection The search and selection of the OFCOL 2008 awardees will be conducted with integrity, transparency and fairness to all overseas Filipino workers. The nomination requirements include completed official form, nomination letter and testimonials detailing justifications, certificate of good moral character from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, copy of certificate of recognition from the Philippine consulate general and two (2) passport sized photos (2x2) of the nominee. Official nomination forms can be obtained from Jauhari Usman through mobile number 0509392306, Vic Aguila through 0509304090, Rodolfo Cornejo through 0509762330, Rudy Dianalan through 0563212714 or through the Philippine consulate general and the POLO. Accomplished official nomination form and supporting documents should be submitted in a sealed envelope marked private and confidential to the chairman of the OFCOL 2008 committee KASAPI CONGRESS, Engr. Rudy D. Dianalan c/o the Philippine consulate general P.O.Box 4794, Jeddah 21412 or you may drop it at the KASAPI CONGRESS DROP BOX located at the PHILCONGEN Jeddah. Deadline of submission is on March 8, 2008 at 1 pm. Pre-screening of nominees All nominations shall be pre-screened and verified by the OFCOL committee. Those with incomplete requirements shall be excluded and those found with questionable documents shall be disqualified. OFCOL 2008 nominees shall be evaluated as follows: Impact to the Community 30% Popularity – One Riyal per vote 25% Personal Achievement 20% Family values & betterment 15% Personal characteristic 10% (motivation, eloquence, persuasiveness, preparation for interview, poise and appearance) Board of Judges The board of judges shall be composed of prominent and knowledgeable Filipino personalities. The board shall be given the discretion to select the nominees they would like to meet for interviews. The board of judges shall return the official nomination form of each shortlisted nominee, including the results of the interview, in a sealed envelope not later than May 30, 2008. Evaluation results shall be tabulated in coordination with and to be verified by PICPA-Jeddah chapter. The decision of the board of judges and the end-results of the tabulation shall be final. Results shall be announced through press release. Prize and awarding ceremony Plaques and medals of recognition shall be awarded to OFCOL 2008 winners in a formal ceremony on June 12, 2008 at the Philippine consulate general in Jeddah. Net proceeds allocations Proceeds of this event will go to the stranded OFWs, jailed OFWs, winning group and the organizing committee Schedule of activities March 8 – Deadline for the submission March 15 – Official announcement of short listed nominees March 28 – Presentation of nominees' individual projects and activities April 4 – First counting April 18 – Progress report on individual projects and activities May 9 – Second counting May 30 – Final report on individual nominee project or activity June 5 - Final counting and final interview/selection/elimination June 9 – Declaration of OFCOL 2008 Awardees June 12 – Awarding ceremony in line with Independence day celebration. The event is sponsored by Mobily, Metro Bank, Western Union, CDC Holdings, Quadrillion, Mike Quilisa & Company, Al Farahanah Trading Est., Bison Energy Drinks, Skyfreight Forwarders, Samir Photographic Supplies Co. Ltd, Kodak, Al Rawan Homes Real Estates/Mega World International, Inter continental Travel, Sarawat Supermarket, Al-injazat Trading Corp., Nivea, Ay-Sarap Rest., IPSJ. The search for the 2008 outstanding Filipino community leaders is a project of the Kasapi Congress under the auspices of the Philippine consulate general in Jeddah and in coordination with the Filipino community groups. - Ronaldo Concha, GMANews.TV