Five fortunate Overseas Filipino Workers from the Middle East were given the chance to reunite with their families, all thanks to the combined efforts and the genuine act of generosity of their fellow Filipinos.
The TV5 International team headed by Pilipinas Global Network Limited President, Claro Carmelo Ramirez and OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon warmly welcomed Catherine Alvarez, Maria Angela de Jesus, Ellen Namoca, Laga Salam, and Cherry Ann Tamparong as they arrived in Manila last February 4. The five were the lucky beneficiaries of “Give Me 5, Kapatid”, TV5 International’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign that was introduced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last year, with the help of its service provider and affiliate Orbit Showtime Network (OSN).
Despite the long flight back home, the five OFWs were in high spirits. The group was immediately treated to a special luncheon where they received generous donations from PLDT Smart Foundation and Alagang Kapatid Foundation. Later in the afternoon, the group was given a chance to relax while enjoying a live viewing of TV5’s popular game show “Wil Time Bigtime.”
The “Give Me 5, Kapatid” campaign, which was unveiled during the launch events in November last year, encouraged OFWs to donate and “give back” to their community. A hat was passed around during the event and Kapatids willingly supported the cause by wholeheartedly giving whatever they could to help. The total amount donated was then matched by TV5 International and OSN. Through the assistance of the Philippine embassy in the UAE, TV5 successfully raised enough funds to purchase airline tickets and bring our kababayans home.
Together with OWWA, this project also provides our returning kababayans with re-integration programs such as livelihood training and other seminars that will help them start anew.
This CSR project springs out from TV5 International’s desire to extend gratitude to the warm acceptance of the Filipino community to its two global channels while at the same time doing something with and for the Overseas Filipinos.
TV5’s entry into the international scene has been well received by Filipinos overseas with the expansion of TV5 International’s two channels – Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International, currently available in the Middle East, Guam and Europe, and soon in the US.
With the success of “Give Me 5, Kapatid”, expect TV5 International to launch more outreach and “giving back” campaigns that respond to the various needs of Filipinos in countries where TV5 is available.
