Model OFW family in Santa Marcela is Cordillera's bet for national MOFYA search

Santa Marcela, Apayao - The Brual family from Barangay Sipa in Santa Marcela, Apayao has been named Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in the Cordillera region by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The family received the MOFYA award for the Land Based Category on December 14, 2023, during the Regional Awarding of Parangal sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW in Baguio City.

The OWWA's yearly search aims to inspire overseas workers who, despite being separated from their families, can achieve economically and preserve excellent ties.

The accolade was given as an indication of the Bruals' strong family relations and superb financial management.

Mrs. Nancy Brual has been an overseas household worker since 1991 and her husband, Mr. Teodolfo Brual, is the current President of the OFW Association in Santa Marcela town.

Mrs. Brual recounted how she had experienced long years of loneliness from being separated from her family to help the family achieve a favorable and secure future.

She stated that, despite the distance, maintaining a continual connection with the family is what helped to strengthen the family relationship.

'Consistently communicating with the family has maintained trust and healthy emotional home environment,' Mrs. Nancy said.

Teodolfo, for his part, emphasized the necessity of proper financial management for the family. He stated that they had learned how to conserve and spend only on what is necessary for the family.

The couple found strength from their two children, Lourdina Brual and Mark Kirby Brual, during their long years of sacrifice.

Meanwhile, MOFYA winners are chosen based on criteria such as the wholeness of OFW family relationships and solidarity; civic/community involvement of OFW and family; success in education or profession of OFW and/or family members; and success in managing family finances.

The Brual family will compete against the best from other regions in the national MOFYA quest in January.