Nominations open for top Filipino worker awards

A freight-forwarding company, able to glide through the four-month Middle East tension, proceeds with its project of extolling Filipinos and has opened up the rolls for the “Season 6 Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino sa UAE (Great Filipino Worker in the UAE) 2026.”

“We absolutely need to honour and recognise Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Their sacrifices extend far beyond financial support for their families. Despite the current regional challenges, we are pursuing with the awards because over time and over the ups-and-downs, OFWs contribute significantly to the Philippine economy through remittances and work ethic of Filipinos around the world,” Pinas Group of Companies (Pinas Group) founder/chief executive officer Marlyn Flores told Gulf Today on Monday.

She also said: “Recognising their achievements boosts morale, encourages excellence, promotes positive role models, and reminds every OFW that their sacrifices and contributions are valued and appreciated.”

Begun during the disastrous Novel Coronavirus and particularly in 2021, the past awardees are Maryann Paglinawan, executive assistant, Dubai; Joemar Tagala, 2022, sales executive, Sharjah; Federico Dulla Jr., 2023, Dubai; Jonnel Garcia, 2024, teacher, Ras Al Khaimah; and Mark Jore, 2025, teacher, Sharjah.

Generally, across working age groups from the fourth largest expatriate population in the UAE, the 2021 to 2025 aspirants offered a bird’s-eye view of the diversity of the Philippines. They originate from various regions. They are representative of the Filipino inclusion and involvement across the seven emirates: skilled and domestic workers; entrepreneurs; corporate people; and community leaders. Healthcare, engineering, aviation, and logistics industries.

The competition is “unique because it focuses not only on the professional achievements but more importantly, on the overall journey of the OFWs.”

Twenty-one years as UAE resident, Flores, originally from the Central Luzon province of Pampanga, was an employee for nine years. In 2014, “God blessed” her “with the opportunity to start” the Pinas Express Cargo & Clearing LLC in Dubai. That single company, with three original personnel, had evolved to cover seven other services. During the pandemic, it even expanded to Qatar. Other Gulf countries are eyed, being “part of our long-term vision.”

Meanwhile, from the June Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Dubai and according to Pinas Group Human Resources & Marketing manager Rumelyn Dorado Aribon, the cargo business is able to survive the regional conflict by traversing through other routes than the Strait of Hormuz.

On Monday, Flores said: “Despite the ongoing regional tension, we continue to operate responsibly while closely monitoring developments in coordination with relevant authorities and logistics partners. The company remains committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and maintaining uninterrupted services for customers as much as possible.”

“We have implemented contingency measures to minimise disruptions and continue delivering reliable logistics solutions while prioritising safety, compliance, and customer services,” she added.

Thus, the 2026 edition continues. Flores underscored that “beyond recognition, the awards inspire fellow OFWs to pursue excellence, remain resilient through challenges, and continue making Filipinos proud in the global stage.”

The social pages of the Dubai homegrown corporation carries the Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino (DMP) link that shall remain open for the nominations, until Aug.16 (Sunday).

Aside from being Filipino citizens, the nominees must be a UAE resident, demonstrate excellence in their profession or business, of good moral character, have made positive contributions to the Filipino Community, and are role models of integrity, professionalism, and perseverance. The selection process: initial screening of nominations, verification of submitted documents, evaluation by an independent panel of judges, assessment based on leadership, professional excellence, integrity, resilience, community involvement, achievements, and inspirational impact.

Consequent jury “deliberations,” scheduled on Aug.23 (Sunday), shall decide the Top 20 then down to the Top 10 who shall receive a call from the organising committee on Aug.30 (Sunday).

The Top 10 finalists would embark on a set of tourism activities around the UAE from Sept.6 to 20. The awards night is on Oct.4 (Sunday).