HAVING a parent or even both parents working abroad is difficult, according to their children. But, loving parents that they are, they make up for their lack of presence in many ways. They toil in foreign lands in order to earn money so they could send their children in schools that offer quality education. With their financial status improved, the children could buy the things they need to have a comfortable life. Such is the dream of every parent for his/her children, and these overseas foreign workers (OFWs) have weathered the difficulties of living in a foreign land to make this a reality.

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Thanks to technology like the cellphone and video conferencing, families can communicate every day, which, according to some children, have helped a lot in satisfying their desire to be with their parents.

Making one's money grow

Flordeliza Decolongon worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong since 1999, leaving behind her husband Percy to become the mother and father to their two children. The money she earned had been put to good use by Percy, who handled their finances well. He used it to spend for the children's education; he saved for their future, constructed a comfortable home and invested it for livelihood.

"We had difficulties at first, but in time, things had been okay. I made up for my lack of presence towards my family," said Flordeliza. "Every OFW should have determination, a system and should remain focused on one's aim," she added.

Now, she has retired and was awarded the regional winner in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's (Owwa) Model OFW Family Award (Mofya) for land-based workers in SM City recently. She will be competing against other regional winners for the national award this year.

Roy and Irish Joligon, owners of Terraflora, growers and suppliers of ornamental plants in hotels and resorts in Boracay and other parts of Aklan, are an example of a successful husband-and-wife tandem. Roy is a seaman, who admitted that being away from his wife was difficult. "I am the eldest in our family and we lost our parents at an early age. I worked as a seaman so that I could send my siblings to school, as well as improve my life with my own family," he said.

Irish is a plant lover and she encouraged Roy to become one. With their efforts, their ornamental plants and cut flowers business grew.

"Get into business. Be hardworking and make some sacrifices," is Roy's advice.

Education

The children of Vicente and Aida Abalajon of Oton were left to the care of their relatives when both parents decided to work in Saudi Arabia and Canada, respectively.

The children said it was difficult not having both parents around, but in time they understood why it had to be that way. So, to make sure that their parents' efforts don't go to waste, they studied hard and became responsible. They studied in good schools and are achievers. "Be strong. Make your parents' efforts as inspiration," was their message for children of other OFWs.

Engineer Edwin Lizada is a seaman and is married to Dr. Maria Nina Lizada. "It's hard without him. True, we are blessed financially. But I had no emotional and physical support," Dr. Lizada said.

Nicole, his daughter, said that she would always feel bad about not having her father around.

"But, we made sure that our four kids go to good schools. Education should not be sacrificed," said Dr. Lizada. Edwin was also able to send his niece to a good school and she was teary-eyed when her testimony was sought.

Challenges

Elma Demonteverde from Dingle almost got raped by her boss while she was working in Hong Kong. "But through prayers and after pleading to him of the consequences of his actions, his plan did not push through," said Elma.

Despite her experience, Elma never seems to get tired of working as an OFW. For now, being an OFW is a lifetime career for her. Her family hopes that someday she would just get tired of going abroad to work.

Ronnie Detablan works as a seaman and he is married to Fely, a teacher. They have seven kids and they were left to Fely's care when Ronnie is away for work. Fely narrated that they had faced several challenges. One is when their house got burned. Second, is when after typhoon Frank hit Western Visayas, and worse, Ronnie was not able to send them money for two months.

After all their challenges, Ronnie said they go on vacation. "That's our gift to ourselves," he said.

Fely's message to OFW families is this: "Be faithful. Save your money. Make sacrifices. Be sincere in your family's development. Most of all, have faith in God."

Indeed, the life of an OFW, despite the dollars that their families get from their efforts, is not easy. Sweat, tears and blood had been shed to support those who are left in our country. But it's not just pure suffering. For after all the hard work, determination and faith in God, are stories of hope, love, courage and success. (MC)

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos.

(November 8, 2008 issue)
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