Exceptional Filipino expatriates receive 'hero' awards

Dubai - Awarding was held as part of the annual Bayanihan Festival held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Five Filipino expats received Dakilang Bayani (noble hero) awards for their invaluable service to the community on Friday.
The recipients were Dr Sharon Mendoza-Dreisbach, educator and cancer advocate; Jose Reynante Papel, entrepreneur; Jennifer Gonzales, counsellor; Sheryll Evangelista Bacay, human resource professional; and Romeo Puncia, a triathlete.
"The award is given annually to men and women of character who embody the Filipino values. Winners are judged based on their inspiring community service, career success stories and personal achievements, Ben Lebig Jr, segment co-head of Dakilang Bayani 2018, told Khaleej Times.
Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes said: "As we celebrate the achievements of some overseas Filipinos through the Dakilang Bayani awards, we also hope that they could further inspire others to reach for their respective dreams and ambitions as well."
The awarding was held as part of the annual Bayanihan Festival held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Bayanihan' is a distinct Filipino custom that refers to the spirit of doing communal work and cooperation to achieve a goal. The word is derived from the Filipino word 'bayani' which means hero. Bayanihan also refers to a geographical location or 'bayan' which can mean a town, community or nation.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

And the awardees are...
Dr Sharon Mendoza-Dreisbach

An educator, single-parent, breast cancer survivor and cancer and environmental advocate. She is also the vice president for external affairs of Filipino Educators-UAE and assistant professor at Skyline University College (SUC) in Sharjah. She also served as chairman of SUC's community service committee.
Jose Reynante Papel

Founder and chairman of the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Alumni Organization. He is also the founder and chief funding officer of I-Fund Award, responsible for providing seed money to Filipino entrepreneurs. He is also founder and chief giving officer of Yapak Charity Organisation and member of the Philippine Consulate financial literacy task force.
Jennifer Gonzales

A counsellor who initiated trainings for Filipino community leaders and facilitated counseling at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Dubai and staff at the Assistance to the Nationals section of the Philippine Consulate. She also has extensive exposure to 50 foreign countries on media, public relations and other related activities involving Filipinos overseas.
Sheryll Evangelista Bacay

Founder of the first Filipino HR professional organisation established to uplift the career of Filipino HRs in the UAE.  She also founded "Banalo Elementary School Foundation" in Batangas that provides support to around 200 needy students for their school supplies and medical check-up.
Romeo Puncia

A triathlete who has been representing the Philippines in many triathlon races abroad to raise funds for the some indigenous communities in Palawan, Philippines. He is also active in the UAE local triathlon community and is ready to lend his equipment to anyone who would like to take the sport.

• UAE
• Dubai