It really isn’t always a happy ending to Overseas Filipino Workers who are looking for a greener pasture abroad. Some OFWs are successful in fulfilling their dreams while others choose to return home because their employer maltreated them or due to some illness.
A Filipina domestic worker decided to return to the Philippines after spending three years in Hong Kong because she is suffering from cancer.
Before and After | Image from SUNWEBHK
OFW Elma Palitayan dela Cruz, boarded a Cebu Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Manila last Aug 29 despite undergoing chemotherapy for his breast cancer. One of his breasts was already removed during the first months of this year.
The 39-year-old Filipina from Santiago City, Isabela chose to return to her family in the Philippines after knowing that her cancer moved its way to her brain which resulted in partial blindness that totally removed her chance of getting a job again.
On November 8, 2018, the Filipina went to Hong Kong and worked as a domestic worker for a Chinese couple. But when her contract ended and it is time to renew, Elma’s employer asked her to have a medical examination. It was then that she found out about her breast cancer. Unfortunately, her employer didn’t rehire her again.
But some British couples decided to hire her despite knowing of her illness. Through their help, Elma was able to undergo the mastectomy treatment at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. But the couple left Hong Kong but still allowed Elma to have her employment visa so she can push through with her treatment.
Just after having another kind employer who agreed to hire her despite having cancer, the elderly mother of the couple found out about her condition and became furious.
“Hindi ko naman itinago ang sakit ko sa kanila. Sinabi ko ang totoo na may cancer ako na kasalukuyang ginagamot.”
Although she has a continuing visa sponsored by her last employer, she decided that it is better to return home and be with her family.
Source: SunWebHK
