Jordanian translator receives DFA award for assisting OFWs

Due to his passion for helping overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), a Jordanian translator was presented the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Award by the Philippine Embassy in Jordan – a first in the history of the commendation.

“[I have a] passion for jobs that bring me directly to people needing assistance in various ways,” Issa Mohammad Mofleh Ahmad, who serves as the embassy’s official translator for its ATN section, told Rappler. He has occupied the post since 2012.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin recently conferred Ahmad with the award during the 122^nd founding anniversary of the department.

Ahmad is tasked to provide valuable coordination with Jordanian authorities, foreign recruitment agencies, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on issues requiring practical and legal advice, case management, and final resolution of complaints.

Ahmad holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in tourism, with which he could have lived a more comfortable life in the hospitality industry.

But his dedication put him on a different path, and according to the embassy, became instrumental in the successful repatriation of over 1,100 OFWs from 2019 to early 2020 under Jordan’s 2019 Amnesty Law.

He also provides assistance in the monitoring of over 100 legal cases in Jordanian courts involving Filipinos.

“The Philippine embassy in Amman has a very good reputation,” said Ahmad, referring to Jordan’s capital. “And also, the number of Filipino nationals is large, which posed a challenge for me [when applying to] work for the embassy.”

There are approximately 39,000 OFWs in Jordan, of which some 95% are household service workers (HSWs), according to Consul General Ferdinand Flores. The most common ATN cases are labor-related, Flores said.

Hard work

Ahmad said his job entails a lot of hard work.

“But when you see the smiles and tears of the people you help, you will forget how hard your work is and you will only remember how great your job [is],” he said.

Ahmad said ATN is “one the best [jobs] that you could do, helping many people, defending their rights.”

After his first interview at the embassy, Ahmad immediately did his research.

“I did a comprehensive study about the Filipino nationals in Jordan, the most prominent issues they are exposed to, and what kind of assistance they need.

“On the same day, I prepared a comprehensive action plan and database containing all the information, maps, phone numbers, and addresses of ministries, directorates, security centers, hospitals, and others. And I sent it to the embassy the next day,” Ahmad said.

‘Pusong Pinoy’

Luciana Obejas, a leader in the local Filipino community, said Ahmad is a “well-meaning and sincere” person. “He has a heart for Filipinos in Jordan. We know he also works beyond his duties and we are very happy to have him in the embassy,” Obejas said.

“As a community leader in Amman, I am very happy to have known and worked with Ambassador Akmad Atlah Sakkam and his ATN team including Mr. Issa (Ahmad). We are also very proud of his work and share his honor of being the first Jordanian to receive the ATN Award of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),” she added.

Ahmad is the lone foreigner to receive the ATN Award this year and the first Jordanian to receive it since the recognition was established 18 years ago in 2002.

In consideration of travel restrictions due to the pandemic, the awarding ceremony was broadcast, for the first time, via YouTube by the DFA in Manila and viewed by all Philippine foreign service posts around the world. The Philippine embassy in Jordan will also hold a private ceremony in Amman to confer the medal and plaque to Ahmad.

In giving him the award, the embassy said Ahmad is recognized for his “exemplary performance, selfless service, and unwavering commitment in providing responsive and efficient assistance to Filipino nationals.”

Assistance to Nationals is among the “Three Pillars of the Philippine Foreign Policy,” aside from the Preservation of Territorial Integrity and Enhancement of National Security, and the Promotion of Investments and Economic Diplomacy.

“The award is testament to the brotherly cooperation and cordial relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on matters of mutual interest, primarily, the protection of migrant workers’ rights and welfare, and provision of consular service,” the embassy said. – Rappler.com