Villar Foundation repatriates 3 OFWs from the UAE

Romilyn Daguplo, Joanalin Pascua, and Jacquelyn Costuna were the three overseas Filipino workers (OFW) repatriated by the Villar Foundation yesterday (May 7, 2012). They arrived back in the country from Dubai, United Arab Emirated (UAE) aboard flight GF154 via Gulf Airlines. They were rescued and saved from their cruel employer. Mrs. Cynthia Villar personally welcomed them straight from NAIA.

Villar Foundation is led by former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar as its Managing Director. Villar Foundation is a big help to all our OFW’s that are not given the right opportunity at other country. Especially the domestic helper at the Middle East.

Romilyn Daguplo, 31-year-old, worked as a domestic helper in Dubai, UAE. Undetected by authorities, she left the country in March last year, already pregnant. Since punishments for pregnant unmarried women are harsh in Arab Country, she got scared and ran away from her employer. The friend of her mother is the one who wrote to Villar Foundation to seek some help. She stayed at OWWA, Dubai for almost three weeks and finally she reunited with her mom. When asked if she want to go back to Dubai, she answered, No!

Joanalin Pascua suffered in the hands of her employer in Dubai. After 2 months, she was underpaid, overworked and worst, sexually harassed. She sought refuge at Philippine Overseas LaborOffice (POLO-OWWA) in Dubai, until her repatriation. Her husband and 2 kids welcomed her that came from Cabuyao, Laguna. When asked on how the Villar foundation supports her, she shared that, the foundation paid her employer and the plane fare. 

from right: Jacquelyn Costuna, Mrs. Cynthia Villar and Jacquelyn's mother

Jacquelyn Costuna, a 24-year-old resident of Manila, left the country for Dubai in October last year only. She ran away from her employer because she suffered from maltreatment and verbal abuse. According to her, the male employer was ok but unfortunately the female employer is cruel. She also stayed with POLO-OWWA, Dubai until her repatriation last Monday. When asked on what she can say to Villar Foundation, she replied, Thank you Maam!

from left: Joanalin Pascua, Jacquelyn Costuna and Romilyn Daguplo

These are some stories of our fellow Filipinos who dreamed a better life for their family that turned to their nightmares. But now back home, thanks to the Villar Foundation, they can start anew. OFW’s and their families were very glad to be reunited again with the help of Villar Foundation. 

The Villar Foundation has repatriated thousands of OFWs since 1992. This, in coordination with the Office of Senator Manny Villar as well as related government offices such as Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) as well as the Blas Ople Center and Migrate. The Villar Foundation also outspread their services to OFWs and their families with their different advocacy.

According to Mrs. Villar, “Besides repatriation, we also extend other forms of help to OFWs and their relatives. We help them get reintegrated into the society through livelihood trainings and assistance; medical assistance; and we even organized an OFW summit with Go Negosyo for them to encourage them to become entrepreneurs. ” Mrs. Villar has a big confidence to our OFW.

Villar Foundation is also celebrating its 20^th anniversary and lots of activities are line up for the whole year. For more updates you may visit the website of Villar Foundation..