Four Filipino Caregivers in Japan to receive Bagong Bayani Award

(25Oct2011 by: baylander)
Recognizing our modern heroes, as defined in its purest sense, will once again emphasize the dominance of caring and sympathy in times of disaster and uncertainty. This is the world where we live nowadays, full of uncertainties. But despite the complexities, the essence of equality in a democratic perspective is proven to be the defining factor for the society to honor heroes. I am proud to have known one of the modern heroes, a fellow from Solano High School, Nueva Viscaya.

Four Pinays in Japan to receive Bagong Bayani award

10/24/2011 | 03:00 PM / GMA News

Four Filipina caregivers in Japan who refused to leave their elderly wards despite the threat of nuclear radiation after the March 11 quake and tsunami this year will receive the "Bagong Bayani Award." The Philippine Embassy in Japan said President Benigno Aquino III is expected to hand over the award in ceremonies in Malacañang on December 1. 

"Despite imminent danger and risk of nuclear radiation, the four Filipino caregivers: Gemma Juanay, Juliet Tobay, Sandra Otacan and Mercedes Joie Aquino, chose to remain in their jobs and continued to provide care and companionship to their Japanese elderly patients," it said. 

The four were chosen to receive the 2011 Bagong Bayani (New Heroes) Awardees for Community and Social Service due to their dedication. 

The Bagong Bayani Award (BBA) is a national search for the Philippines’ outstanding and exemplary Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

It seeks to recognize and pay tribute to overseas Filipino workers for fostering goodwill and promoting the image of the Filipino as a competent, responsible and dignified worker. 

According to the embassy, the four worked at the Social Welfare Juridical Seihoukai in Komine-en, Shirakawa City. 

The institution for the elderly where the four Filipino caregivers worked is in Fukushima Prefecture, some distance away from a danger zone declared by the Japanesegovernment following the March 11, 2011 quake and tsunami. 

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO Tokyo) under Labor Attaché Clifford Paragua nominated the four after they "downplayed significant personal risks to ensure the safety and survival of their patients." 

On May 11, the four were invited to a Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the Japan Foreign Minister at Iikura House in Tokyo. 

"They were also bestowed recognition and honor by the Japanese people through the kind words and rewards that have been expressed and heartily given and the attention that local media has provided which serve as true testaments to their heroism," the embassy said. 

Last June, the four receiving their Certificates of Appreciation from the Philippine Embassy in Japan during the celebration of Philippine Independence Day. - VVP, GMA News