Rodney Sobrino Queman
GAWAD PARANGAL NG BAYANING PILIPINO
OFW Leader • Humanitarian • Community Advocate • Counselor
Rodney Sobrino Queman, fondly known as Chairman Neon, is a dedicated Overseas Filipino Worker, community leader, counselor, mentor, and humanitarian currently based in Seosan, South Korea. A proud son of San Pedro, San Jose, Antique, he has devoted much of his life to helping fellow Filipinos, particularly OFWs, while promoting the spirit of Bayanihan across borders.
A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Management Accounting, Rodney has worked as a factory worker under South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) since 2006. His experience as an OFW has given him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by migrant workers and inspired him to become a trusted source of guidance, information, and support for the Filipino community.
A LEGACY OF HUMANITARIAN SERVICE
Rodney's commitment to service is demonstrated through his involvement in more than 100 fundraising and humanitarian initiatives supporting Filipinos affected by calamities, medical emergencies, accidents, and other crises.
Among the major causes he has supported are relief efforts for Typhoon Yolanda, the Angelo Claveria family, the Mindanao earthquake, Taal Volcano eruption, COVID-19 frontliners, Typhoon Ulysses, and Typhoon Odette, along with numerous assistance campaigns for individuals facing hospitalization, illness, and emergency situations.
Through these initiatives, his efforts have reached communities and individuals in Leyte, Iloilo, Pampanga, Maguindanao, Zamboanga, Batangas, Rizal, Cagayan, Isabela, Cebu, Antique, and other parts of the Philippines.
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE
Rodney's dedication has earned him significant recognition both in the Philippines and abroad. His distinctions include the Global Pinoy Idol 2019, the Bagong Bayani Award 2021, the Kalinga Award 2022 for outstanding volunteer work as a labor counselor, the Gintong Parangal 2023, and the Most Outstanding Alumni Award 2025.
His story and contributions have also been featured in publications including OFW Achievers: Stories That Inspire by Carmelita Dimzon and DAYO 이민자: Stories of Migration, published by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.
A VOICE FOR FILIPINOS ABROAD
Beyond humanitarian work, Rodney actively contributes to the Filipino community through information, leadership, counseling, and advocacy. He has established and supported online platforms that provide Filipinos in South Korea with updates on Korean labor laws, employment opportunities, community concerns, and useful resources.
He has also served in various leadership and advisory capacities, including Chairman of Sulyapinoy, Vice President of the Seosan Migrants Catholic Community, Auditor of the Filipino Community in Seosan, and Adviser of Kabayan Filipino Center in Incheon, Korea.
His ability to communicate in the Korean language has further strengthened his capacity to assist and represent fellow Filipinos. As an online and offline counselor, he provides guidance to OFWs dealing with employment, legal, emotional, and community-related concerns.
A MODERN-DAY BAYANI
Rodney Sobrino Queman's journey is a powerful reflection of Filipino resilience, compassion, leadership, and service. From working as an OFW in South Korea to becoming a mentor, counselor, fundraiser, and community leader, he continues to demonstrate that meaningful service does not require one to be in the Philippines.
His story embodies the true spirit of Bayanihan extending a helping hand, empowering fellow Filipinos, and creating hope wherever one may be.
Through his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service and Filipino community empowerment, Rodney Sobrino Queman continues to prove that a Filipino hero can make a difference anywhere in the world.
GAWAD PARANGAL NG BAYANING PILIPINO 2026
Honoring Filipinos Who Make a Lasting Difference.
