The SUN editors and writers receive POLO awards

The SUN's two editors and two contributors were awarded plaques of appreciation by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office during recognition rites held last night, Mar. 10.

Recipients of the awards were lawyer and editor Daisy CL Mandap, associate editor Vir B. Lumicao, and OFW contributors Marites Palma and Rodelia P. Villar.

Editor Daisy Mandap receives her plaque from Consul Deric Atienza

Associate  Editor Vir B. Lumicao (in  brown pants) wtih
L to R Clarin, Tamayao, Villafuerte, Sunga,Dela Torre and Atienza  

Mandap, Lumicao and Palma were honored for their work in protecting migrant workers by educating them about their rights and  by advocating their welfare in various ways. Through their efforts, dozens of overseas Filipino workers have been rescued from abusive employers and human traffickers, and referred to the authorities for help. They have also extended help to ailing migrant workers and the family members of those killed while at work.

Villar, who heads an online support group for newly arrived Filipino domestic workers, was cited for her volunteer work at Polo for the past nine months.

Marites Palma

Rodelia Villar 

About 50 individuals and associations in Hong Kong were conferred plaques and certificates of recognition all signed by Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre. They included non-Filipino partners of Polo like former Hong Kong legislator Emily Lau and heads of non-government organizations like the Mission for Migrant Workers, Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge, Card Hong Kong and Enrich.

Assisting Dela Torre in handing out the awards were Consul Roderic Atienza, Deputy Labor Attaches Angel Sunga and Antonio Villafuerte, and Welfare Officers Marivic Clarin and Virsie Tamayao.

It was the first time ever that Polo had handed out awards to volunteers and partners in carrying out its work in Hong Kong.

The SUN, which was founded in December 1995 by publisher Leo A. Deocadiz, has long been recognized not just  for its pioneering work as the foremost Filipino community newspaper in Hong Kong, but also for its work in uplifting the conditions of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong.

Mandap's work for the Filipino migrant community earned her the Hong Kong Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service award in 2012, the University of the Philippines' Distinguished Alumna in Public Service award in 2014, and the Glory Medal of Distinction award from the UP College of Mass Communication in 2017.