Seven Filipino migrant workers each won 10,000 dirhams (US$2,720) in a raffle promotion organized by a remittance company in the United Arab Emirates.
Michelle Sanchez, head of Philippine Corridor Marketing at UAE Exchange, said this was the biggest batch of Filipino workers to win its 2018 Winter Promo that was held from November 19 to December 29, The Filipino Times reported.
Sanchez announced that the winners were Francis Romero, Emilie Joy Aquino Callejo, Khomini Ampatuan Utto, Wilson Mitra, Geralime Per, Alfredo Jr Boon and Nomer Alejo.
Callejo, who works in procurement assistance, has been in Dubai since 2008 and sends money to her mother in the Philippines monthly through UAE Exchange. She said she would use her winnings to invest in the stock market.
“I was in disbelief when I was informed that I won. I thought it was all a prank call,” she said.
Per, who has been a domestic worker in Dubai for five years, said she sends money to her children and parents every month and was grateful that she won the raffle. She said she would use the prize money to settle land issues back home in the Philippines.
“I am very happy. This is a big blessing,” she said.
Per added that the UAE Exchange’s regular raffle draws were one reason she has not sent money through other remittance centers, saying that she could win prizes that can help her family.
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