MECO Labor Center-Taipei Deputy Director Dayang Dayang Sittie Kaushar G. Jaafar (left), Arnell Ignacio (second left) and Marie Yang (second right)/Photo courtesy of CNA
Taipei, June 15 (CNA) A veteran Filipino game show host and former public servant who got his first college degree at the age of 55 this year encouraged Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan to set a goal and stick to it, especially those who wish to go back to school after working abroad.
A day before he was to hit the stage in New Taipei on Sunday for Philippines Independence Day celebrations, Arnell Ignacio hoped to give confidence to migrant workers in Taiwan who are thinking of continuing their education.
"If you want to dream, you dream big. My personality even when I was in television, I defined myself according to how I look at myself. Nobody can tell me that I am too old to finish my course, it's my decision," said Ignacio, who has hosted many game, talent and reality TV shows in the Philippines since the 1990s.
He also encouraged his compatriots to set goals and stay focused so that they are not affected by others who say negative things about mature-aged students.
"I am a very goal orientated person, I always look at the goal and go straight to hitting that goal. If there are others who tell me differently....I just tell them to mind their own business," Ignacio said.
Ignacio earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Makati in April this year at the age of 55. He graduated from high school in 1981.
Other milestones for Ignacio include serving between January 2018 and February 2019 as the deputy administrator of the Philippine' Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, which protects the interests of overseas Filipino workers.
He urged Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan to not get distracted and fall to temptations that may affect their goals, which will eventually bring them a better life for themselves and their families.
"Keep in your mind and keep in your heart why you are working here. Always keep that in mind and through that look at the goal you have set," he said. "Every step you make should go toward that goal."
Sunday's Independence Day celebrations at which Ignacio will appear will be begin at around 7 a.m. with a fun run, in which funds raised will be donated to help Filipinos in Taiwan who are hospitalized.
The run will be followed by a Philippine Independence Day commemoration and a celebration for a migrant workers day, which are observed June 12 and June 7, respectively, every year, said Marie Yang, the event's host.
The celebrations are being held Sunday instead of on the actual anniversary because that is when most Filipinos in Taiwan have time off from work, Yang said.
The Philippines gained independence on June 12, 1898 after more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
