Consulate’s Oca bids goodbye

For Remily Oca, her two-year assignment on Saipan gave her the opportunity to be up close and personal with many Filipino workers in the Commonwealth, giving her first-hand knowledge and a deeper appreciation of some of the country’s bagong bayani or new heroes.

A native of South Cotabato, Oca arrived on island on Jan. 21, 2010, tasked with the responsibility of performing administrative functions, including the issuance of overseas employment certificate or OEC and providing assistance in labor cases.

“This was my first overseas assignment and it has made me a well-rounded individual and a better public servant. The knowledge I gained here will also help me come up with programs for Filipino workers,” said Oca in an interview a few days before her Jan. 19 flight back to the Philippines.

Fondly known as Remy in the Filipino community, Oca said she helped Filipino workers—“to the best of my ability and under the supervision of labor attaché Carmelina Velasquez”—by easing the confusions caused by the federalization of the CNMI’s immigration system.

“We tried to help them understand every latest development about federalization and, at the same time, conduct the reintegration program to prepare those who are willing to go back home and start their own businesses,” she said.

Oca’s temporary assignment on island was part of the job enhancement efforts of their office, the Department of Labor Region 12 office in Koronadal City, where she provided support services at their technical division and field office.

“I feel fortunate to have been assigned here because I had the chance to do front line service, unlike in South Cotabato where I stayed behind the scenes. I was able to interact and have conversations with Filipino workers here,” she said.

Besides work, Oca also became occupied with activities that helped her cope during her first few months on island. “Taking long walks by the beach or having a simple chat with friends helped in those times I was lonely.”

Living on Saipan, Oca said, had been easy for her due to the large Filipino population that made her feel like she was still in the Philippines.

“I find it very impressive the simplicity of life on Saipan,” she told Saipan Tribune. “The disparity between the rich and the poor is not evident and people are generally pleasant and hospitable. There’s no heavy traffic, no pollution, and it’s rich in natural resources. You can go to a nice, clean beach anytime and for free.”

This mother of four has “mixed feelings” about leaving Saipan. “I’m happy that I’m going to be with my family once again but I also feel sad knowing that I will be saying goodbye to the friends I’ve made at work, in the Filipino community, at church, my neighbors. In my two years here, I was able to develop strong bonds of friendship with them. It’s very difficult to bid farewell to these people because they already hold a place in my heart,” she said.

Oca expressed appreciation for the help and support that she received from everyone in the community.

“I thank God for the opportunity to be here, of all places. I feel lucky to have stayed here and I’ll surely get in touch with all the friends I’ve made on Saipan,” she added.