Yuletide longing a reality for OFWs

For most Filipinos, Christmas is a time for family — gathered around a festive table, sharing stories, laughter, and love. But for millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the season is marked by longing and loneliness.

While their loved ones celebrate at home, OFWs, the so-called modern-day heroes, are thousands of miles away, working tirelessly to provide for their families.

Diane Trinidad, a nurse in Saudi Arabia for more than seven years, knows this all too well. Each Christmas, she scrolls through social media, seeing photos of families reunited and celebrations she cannot join.

“Sometimes I don’t want to watch family photos during Christmas because it just makes me feel sadder,” she says.

Like many OFWs, Diane’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding dream of returning home for good.

Diane left the Philippines when her child was just a few months old, entrusting her baby to the care of her parents. Her husband remains in the Philippines, a reality that further underscores the emotional cost of working abroad.

“My wish is to save enough for a business so I can stay home for good,” Diane says with a mix of hope and longing.

Recently, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos boosted holiday cheer with a P2-million cash gift for over 400 OFWs and their families.

During Go Negosyo’s Balik-Bayan 2024 event, the President and First Lady uplifted the spirits of OFWs while also emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship for returning Filipinos.

This significant contribution brought the total cash prizes distributed at the event to P3 million, with the additional funding provided by Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, RFM Corporation, and other sponsors.

The funds were distributed among OFWs and their families who had completed the necessary documentation to qualify for the prize.

Capitalization

Many recipients shared that the money would be used as additional capital for their small businesses.

Topics such as financial literacy, preparing for retirement, agripreneurship, franchising, and even storytelling as a tool for entrepreneurship were discussed.

Highlighting the government’s partnership with the private sector, President Marcos’ P2-million donation was announced alongside additional contributions such as RFM Corporation’s P1 million worth of products and Go Negosyo’s cash prizes for early-bird attendees.

Diane’s decision to work overseas arose from necessity. Her nursing job in the Philippines wasn’t enough to support her family’s needs.

Like many professionals in the country, she found herself grappling with the stark reality of low wages despite her hard work and dedication.

Moving abroad promised better financial opportunities, but it came at the price of being separated from her loved ones.

The holidays, a time meant for family gatherings and celebrations, are particularly painful for OFWs like Diane. Seeing others enjoy the warmth of togetherness only amplifies the ache of being far from her child and husband.

“I feel so lonely,” Diane admits, her voice heavy with emotion.

Despite the sadness, Diane finds comfort in the small joys that give purpose to her sacrifices. This holiday season, her greatest happiness comes from imagining her family’s smiles as they celebrate back home.

Though she can only join them through video calls, the thought of her loved ones sharing a meal, enjoying modest holiday dishes, and unwrapping thoughtful gifts she worked hard to provide fills her heart with pride and warmth.

Bearable

For Diane, knowing that her efforts can bring even a bit of joy to her family makes the distance and longing a little more bearable.

Diane remains steadfast in her goal.

She told DAILY TRIBUNE she dreams of saving enough money to start a business in the Philippines — a venture that would allow her to sustain her family and stay home for good.

Her vision is not just about financial stability, but also about reclaiming the time and moments she has missed with her family.

Diane’s story reflects the plight of many OFWs who leave the Philippines in search of greener pastures, often at the cost of their emotional well-being.

Yet, her determination to return home and build a future in her homeland is a testament to the enduring Filipino spirit.

For Diane, the ultimate reward is not just financial success but the chance to be present in her child’s life and create memories together.

“It’s not easy, but I manage,” she says, her words carrying the weight of her sacrifices and the hope that fuels her dreams.

As Diane works tirelessly in Saudi Arabia, she holds on to the belief that one day, she will finally come home — not just for a short visit, but for good. And when that day comes, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter — one built on love, resilience, and the fulfillment of a mother’s dream.