By Rocky E. Bautista
For Renibel Cabebe, a mother from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, working abroad meant a chance to provide a better life for her family.
But what began as a hopeful journey to Jordan soon turned into a struggle for survival.
Just three months into her job, Cabebe suffered mistreatment and emotional distress at the hands of her first employer, leaving her feeling isolated and vulnerable in a foreign land.
She later found a second employer, but her new hope was short-lived — they were set to move abroad, and she could not go with them.
Once again, she faced uncertainty and despair — until help finally arrived.
Reaching out for help
In her moment of desperation, Cabebe sent an email seeking assistance.
That message eventually reached the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Office in Ilocos, which helped connect her case to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office 1.
Through this coordination, OWWA was able to trace Cabebe’s location and begin arranging her safe return home.
“When people reach out to us, we make sure their call for help doesn’t end with us,” said PIA Region 1 Director Jennilyne Role.
“Our role is to connect, to help government programs reach those who may not know where to turn.”
This cooperation ensured that Cabebe’s situation was immediately referred to the right agency for direct assistance—showing how communication and coordination can bridge the gap between distress and support.
Homecoming and relief
On September 6, Cabebe finally arrived back in the Philippines.
At the airport, OWWA staff welcomed her and provided immediate aid through the Emergency Repatriation Fund, which assists overseas Filipinos in crisis situations.
She received transportation support to return to her hometown in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur—a small but meaningful gesture that eased the burden of coming home after months of hardship.
“This assistance is such a big help for me to start; thank you to OWWA,” Cabebe said, her voice filled with both gratitude and relief.
A new beginning
Cabebe’s return marks not just the end of her ordeal abroad but the start of a new chapter.
To help her rebuild, OWWA extended cash assistance worth ₱10,000 and livelihood support that she plans to use as capital for a small street food business.
This opportunity represents more than income—it’s a chance to regain independence and stability for her family.
“It is our mission to protect the OFWs, so we continue to give them the best intervention,” said OWWA Regional Welfare Office 1 Director Gerardo Rimorin.
“If you are distressed, please proceed to the nearest OWWA office. We are willing to help you.”
Working together for modern-day heroes
Cabebe’s story is one among many that show how compassion, coordination, and responsive public service can change lives.
Her journey home was made possible not by one agency alone, but by a network of government offices working together to uphold the welfare of overseas Filipinos.
Today, as Cabebe starts anew in her hometown, her story stands as a reminder that even in the face of hardship, hope endures—and that with the right support, every overseas Filipino can find their way back home to rebuild with dignity and strength. (AMB/REB, PIA Ilocos Region)
