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By Camille Bersola, Correspondent
“Our family is simple, but overflowing with
love. Our house is not just a home, but our paradise.”
This is how the Atuel family of Bohol City
picture themselves, a representation of an ideal family that
rightfully won the Most Outstanding OFW Family award for 2007.
From humble beginnings, Eugenio B. Atuel Jr. has
come a long way. After years of his hard work as a seafarer, and
after being a consistent board placer in three board examinations,
Atuel has continued doing remarkable things, not only for his
family, but also for their community in Ubay, Bohol.
Wife Corazon is a senior agriculturalist in the
Department of Agriculture, and has contributed to their family
success by supporting her husband in her humble way.
Before Eugenio was re-employed as a seafarer in
1976, the Atuels struggled with difficulties. Their strong will and
spiritual faith helped them get by all of the troubles they had gone
through. With proper financial management, the couple gradually
invested their earnings on some agricultural properties.
With 13 years of experience in rice research and
seven years of mango research, Corazon Atuel managed their
agricultural businesses. Their harvests enabled them to provide for
the basic needs of their family and send their children to school.
The couple believes in the value of education.
Even before they got married, Eugenio Atuel already supported the
schooling of six siblings until all became professionals.
The couple also sponsored the education of
gifted children from low income families in their community. Through
the Fakes and Genuine Limited Program, Eugenio funded the
educational expenses of 11 children to the Holy Child Academy. He
became the president of this program from 1991 to 1995.
Atuel also became a member of various
organizations such as the Knights of Columbus. The couple also
joined religious groups, such as the Family Life Apostolate and
Couples for Christ.
He got involved in some environmental
development projects, organizing the roadside tree planting in
Barangay Hambabauran and Pangpang, conducting a seminar on mango
production, and assisting participants in mango planting.
All their benevolent work serve as notable
example to their seven children who were raised in modesty despite
their relative prosperity. Each child was given his own share
of tasks in the household even if they had helpers, and taught to
budget finances to appreciate the value of money.
The family has now expanded their agricultural
landholdings, getting into poultry raising and piggery business.
Strong family ties characterize the Atuels as
the family gathers every Sunday in their farm or elsewhere, valuing
love for work, family and community.
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