JEDDAH, 25 February 2008 — The search is on for outstanding Filipino community leaders or members in the western side of the Kingdom. Organized by the Kasapi Congress, a Jeddah-based umbrella group, the awards aim to recognize the outstanding achievements and historic deeds of Filipino workers in the region “that bring honor to the Filipino people.”

Any member or officer of any association, organization or group recognized by the Philippine Consulate can be nominated, said Nazruddin Dianalan, a senior adviser of the Kasapi.

Nominees must be active members of the group they are affiliated with and have achieved exemplary achievements that benefit not only their constituents but the community as a whole, he explained.

Jauhari Usman, Kasapi’s current chairman, said the event is also meant to raise funds for distressed Filipino workers, especially to those who are languishing in jails. “It’s time to honor again our community leaders as it will also serve as an inspiration for others to do more for the benefit of our countrymen,” Usman said during the launch of the Search for 2008 Outstanding Filipino Community Leaders last Thursday at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ).

The event was likewise a welcome party for Consul General Ezzedin Tago, who was asked to administer the oath of office to Kasapi’s officers for 2008.

As explained by organizers, nominations have to be done by completing the Official Nomination Form and submitting supporting papers to the awards committee not later than March 8, 2008 at 1 pm.

Official nomination forms may be obtained from Kasapi leaders or from the Philippine Consulate and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Jeddah.

For more information on the criteria and rules, contact Usman at cell phone No. 05093-92306, Vic Aguila at 05093-04090, Rodolfo Cornejo at 0509762330, or Dianalan at 05632-12714.

The event is sponsored by Mobily, Metro Bank, Western Union, CDC Holdings, Quadrillion, Mike Quilisa & Company, Al Farahanah Trading Est., Bison Energy Drinks, Sky Freight Forwarders, Samir Photographic Supplies Co. Ltd, Kodak, Al Rawan Homes Real Estates/Mega World International, Intercontinental Travel, Sarawat Supermarket, Al-Injazat Trading Corp., Nivea, Ay-Sarap Restaurant, and IPSJ.