HONG KONG, Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Union has been serving Filipinos for 25 years. From 1990, Filipino workers deployed overseas were estimated at over 400,000* to over 10 million** in 2013, Western Union's Filipino users have entrusted their hard earned money sent through our channels to reach their families and loved ones. As a company that helps many Filipinos to move money around the world, we have a special insight into this population and the unique, heroic qualities that they embody. It is for this reason that Western Union embarked on a campaign to recognize heroic efforts of Filipino migrants.
In the past, Western Union has been involved in supporting and sponsoring Filipino community activities, such as: Barrio Fiestas, Independence Day celebrations, Christmas celebrations, and reaching out to the Filipino diaspora through ethnic publications and promotions. This year, as it celebrates its 25th year of providing service in the Philippines, Western Union takes its commitment to Filipinos a step further through the "Heroes for Better" campaign. It is a campaign that recognizes and celebrates the efforts of Filipinos around the world who, in their own way, have given their time, resources, skill and/or expertise to make a positive change. The campaign aims to showcase them as role models to inspire others to follow their examples to help create a better world. Western Union, with the help of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, handpicked 25 Filipino migrant heroes around the world. Here is the story of a Filipino in Hong Kong who has dedicated his life for something other than himself.
Vincent Benares came from Metro Manila, Philippines and moved to Hong Kong
Equipped with broadcasting prowess and an eagerness to be a conduit of good will, Vincent Benares uses his voice to change the world.
As a seasoned broadcaster, Vincent understands the power of the media in spurring change in society. He has thus gone beyond his duties of entertaining and bringing joy to listeners through songs and dedications by expanding his reach to supporting the Filipino community in Hong Kong. As the voice of Filipino migrants, he carries the responsibility of raising concerns and bringing awareness to the plight of overseas Filipino workers.
From his very first day as a radio announcer 26 years ago, he helped initiate positive changes to the lives of Filipinos in Hong Kong by rallying for the offering of consulate services on Sundays, as well as the implementation of financial literacy programs and environmental campaigns.
This is just one of the 25 migrants that Western Union has honored during the "Heroes for Better" campaign. The background, professions and advocacies of the 25 Heroes for Better are diverse, but their compassion and dedication to serve others are qualities that are distinct to all the heroes.
"You don't have to be economically well-off or highly educated in order to make a difference. These are really ordinary folks that have actioned towards specific causes and became heroes." shares Patricia Riingen, Senior Vice President, South East Asia & Oceania, Western Union. "It is our sincere hope that the accomplishments of these Filipinos will inspire others to follow their example of taking positive action towards a better nation and eventually, a better world."
| *POEA 2004 report, http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/philippines-culture-migration |
| **Commission on Filipinos Overseas, 2013 Compendium of Statistics on International Migration |
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of September 30, 2015, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks, and included the capability to send money to millions of bank accounts. In 2014, The Western Union Company completed 255 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $85 billion of principal between consumers, and 484 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
