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Two ill Filipino workers repatriated
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Posted on Nov 03 2006
Two seriously ill Filipino workers have returned home to the Philippines last Saturday after almost a month of confinement at the Commonwealth Health Center.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Association-Overseas Filipino Workers Support Group in the CNMI confirmed that the two, Marcelo Dumlao from Pangasinan and Silverio Saraus, have returned to their respective homes after being observed at the hospital.
The OFW Support Group, led by Dang Bernabe, had sought kind-hearted individuals to help the two workers for their repatriation. Bernabe said the group collected over $270 cash plus one “balikbayan” box containing donated items such as clothes and canned goods for Dumlao. Dumlao also received cash donations directly from CHC nurses.
Saraus received cash donations of $454 and Php 1,200 through the efforts of the Support Group, as well as a box of goods from his former employer, Jack Reyes. He also received one “balikbayan” box of donated items.
Philippine Consul General Wilfredo DL. Maximo coordinated the two Filipinos’ repatriation.
OWWA OFW Support Group welfare committee chair Lito Marquez had distributed letters of request two weeks ago to all Filipino groups and business establishments on Saipan for donations.
Marquez said that Dumlao was diagnosed with cancer of the spinal column and had been confined at the hospital for almost a month. Saraus had a stroke and had been at the hospital since Oct. 10.
Bernabe acknowledged the assistance of the following: Philippine Consulate General, OWWA, POLO, CHC nurses, Fe Calixterio, Beryl Parel, Jack Reyes, Century Insurance, Century Travel, Century Finance, Saipan Tribune, L&T, Dr. Gabe De Guzman, White Coconut Computer Services management and staff, CB Cruz of Cruz Optical, PMIC staff, Triple L staff, Saipan Shipping Co. staff, Saipan Stevedore Co., and Bayani Association members and officers.
“We also want to thank other individuals whose assistance made a difference in the lives of these two OFWs,” said Bernabe.
The two workers had not renewed their OWWA memberships, resulting in them not being eligible for government-provided benefits. OWWA will be launching a project to increase membership in the CNMI.
