Hong Kong-based non-profit honored for its work benefiting
migrant communities
Hong Kong, 16 November 2018 — The Wimler Foundation, a Hong
Kong-based Filipino non-profit organization dedicated to empowering migrant and
ethnic communities, today announces that it has been awarded the Banaag Award
of the 2018 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.
The award recognizes Filipino individuals or organizations for
contributions that have significantly benefited and advanced the cause of
overseas Filipino communities.
WIMLER Foundation Co-Founder Leila Rispens-Noel said: “We are
deeply honored to receive this award, and it will serve as a beacon for us to
deepen our commitment in building socially and economically empowered migrant
communities. Our migrant communities go through great lengths to seek financial
security so that their families can live in dignity. By providing them with the
tools to develop their full potential, we hope to harness migration to build a
better quality of life for present and future generations.”
Overseen by the Philippine Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the
Presidential Awards are a biennial search for individuals and organizations
overseas that have dedicated their work in the service of Filipinos either by
supporting relief, rehabilitation and development programs back home or by
having excelled in their profession or field of expertise overseas.
This year’s recipients were selected from 96 nominations from
around the world through a four-stage process involving representatives from
various sectors. The 25 awardees will honored by Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte on 5 December 2018 at Malacanang Palace in Manila.
Founded in 2011, WIMLER Foundation has championed capacity
building and empowerment of migrant communities and the promotion of cultural
diversity in Hong Kong. Among its notable projects is the Ateneo Leadership and
Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE) program in Hong Kong in partnership with the
Ateneo de Manila University, Overseas Filipinos Society for the Promotion of
Economic Security, Social Enterprises Development Partnerships and Ugat
Foundation, and in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate, the Philippine
Overseas Labor Officer and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Since
the LSE program began in 2012, 892 Filipino
migrant workers and some residents in Hong Kong have graduated, and several
alumni have started their own businesses back home. It is also conduct other seminars to enhance the capacities of migrant workers in Hong Kong. The foundation also
supports indigenous communities in the Philippines through livelihood projects
such as traditional weaving, as well as provides educational scholarships for
children from low-income families.
Wimler Foundation Chairman Ferdinand Ng said: “We see this award
as a testament of the power of cross-border, cross-cultural collaboration and
partnership, in particular the vital contributions of our partner
organizations, donors and volunteers who continue to believe and work with us
to fulfil our mission.”
Aside from Wimler Foundation, Saturnino H. Tiamson, a Filipino
musician based in Hong Kong, will also be honored at the ceremony with the
Pamana ng Filipino award, which recognizes overseas Filipinos for their
excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work and profession.
For information:
Contact: Katherine de Guzman
Email: kathdg19@yahoo.com
Mobile: +852 95024402
For more information on Wimler Foundation HK, visit wimler.org
