28/05/2026
๐๐๐๐: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 1, through its Education and Training Unit (ETU), successfully conducted the two-day OFW Childrenโs Circle (OCC) Program titled โSulong Sugpon: Empowering OFW Children Through Leadership, Financial Literacy, and Wellnessโ on May 26โ27, 2026, in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur. The program aimed to empower the children of OFWs by strengthening their awareness on childrenโs rights, financial literacy, leadership, wellness, and information technology skills.
The program officially opened with a welcome address from Sugpon Mayor Daniel C. Laรฑo Jr., followed by a special message from OWWA RWO1 Regional Director Marivic L. Mondina. ETU Unit Head Dr. Amapola Z. Villar presented an overview of the OCC Program and OWWA scholarship opportunities before Ms. Mary Grace S. Calura, MSWDO of Sugpon LGU, facilitated a discussion on Childrenโs Rights. In the afternoon, ETU staff Ms. Gerlyn S. Flores and Mr. Gianell G. Laroco conducted an engaging lecture on financial literacy, emphasizing smart budgeting, savings, and the responsible use of remittances.
The second day focused on leadership development, emotional wellness, and youth empowerment. Dr. Amapola Z. Villar delivered an interactive lecture on team and leadership, highlighting the importance of camaraderie, communication, comprehension, and collaboration among the youth. She also discussed emotional wellness and practical coping mechanisms specifically designed for sons and daughters of OFWs. The sessions were complemented by interactive team-building activities, communication games, and trust exercises that fostered stronger relationships among the participants.
One of the major highlights of the program was the formal nomination and election of the OCC Sugpon Officers, establishing a structured youth leadership circle in the municipality. Ms. Marissa C. Naboye, Chief of the Programs and Services Division, delivered the closing message, reaffirming OWWAโs commitment to supporting youth-centered programs and initiatives.
The two-day activity concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony and photo opportunity, celebrating the successful participation of OFW children alongside OWWA personnel, stakeholders, and officials from the Local Government Unit of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur.
