Life is a struggle for OFWs

We received a sobering letter from an overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) mom in Italy named Darry Domingo, who is longing to see her family again. “I feel so sad. It’s really very hard to be away from your loved ones. Being an OFW is not easy. How I wish they were here with me now. I really miss my kids. I feel guilty because I am far from my kids. I want them to always remember that I love them so much and will make it up to them.”

Darry is not alone. There are many single mothers out there who are fighting homesickness and loneliness so they can support the needs of their children. They bear the pain and the weighty responsibility of being the family’s breadwinner.

Meanwhile, a son of an OFW sent us another message: “My name is Mohhamad Sofian Abdullah. May I ask for your help? Our father who is based in Brunei, Darussalam, has not been sending financial support to us for more than 10 years. Our mother is deep in debt because of this. Can you please help us?”

We will contact the father of Mohammad  to find out  why he stopped supporting his children in the Philippines.

It is disheartening to know, however, that many husbands neglect their basic responsibility and simply allow their hardworking OFW wives to be the sole provider. They refuse to work in the country because they know that their income is nothing compared to their OFW wives.

The story of an OFW wife and mom is about long suffering and endurance, especially if she is married to an indifferent, lazy husband.

What inspires us to continue helping our distressed OFWs for 17 years now? The love and appreciation that we regularly receive from them. How heartwarming it is to know that there are OFWs from various parts of the world who do not forget to thank Bantay OCW for whatever assistance we extended to them.

One of them is Ana Mendoza who posted this message on the Facebook account of Bantay OCW: “Hello Ma’am Susan. Thank you very much. May God bless you more. You are indeed the true ally of OFWs. I was among those whom you helped in 2007 when I was recruited illegally when I applied for a job in Italy. Because of you, I was able to recover the money I lost to the illegal recruiter. I’m now in Taiwan.

Thank you very much for what you have done for all of us. May God bless you and your staff. More power and blessings to you. Take care and we salute you.”

Thank you too Alma for remembering Bantay OCW. May you find success in your work abroad and it is our ardent wish that you return to the Philippines safe.

The message of another OFW inevitably put a smile on my face. Virgie de Vera Bayadog is eager to know the identity of the former Lady Susan that she used to listen to over the radio. This is what she wrote: “Good day to you. I’m just curious. May I ask if you are the same Lady Susan who I met at a radio station 22 years ago? I used to listen to the program of Lady Susan and Lady Glo over dzRJ station at J&T Building in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Are you the Lady Susan that I know? I miss you and Lady Glo’s voice over the radio. I hope to hear from you again. Thank you.”

I was touched Virgie when I read your letter. You went out of your way to ask me that? You’re right, I am the same Lady Susan of dzRJ AM that you used to listen to. But there is no reason to miss me because you can tune in to my Bantay OCW program, Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. My partner in that program is Zaldy Vilches, resident mediator of the Philippine Mediation Foundation Inc. Happy listening.

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You can listen to Susan Andes, also known as Susan K., over Radyo Inquirer dzIQ 990 AM, Monday to Friday, 11 am-12 noon and 12:30 p.m-2 p.m. Audio/video live streaming is at www.dziq.am. Helplines: 0927-6499870/0920-9684700. E-mail: bantayocwfoundation @yahoo.com/ susankbantay [email protected]