RIYADH, 10 July 2004 — For years, Magdalena Perez was a virtual philanthropist, helping needy fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in her capacity as member of the OFW Congress and president of Pinoy Friendly.
On occasions when medical services were rendered at the Philippine Embassy, she was around to help in any way she could.
Now, she’s the one in need as she has been diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer, prompting various community leaders to meet last Friday to discuss her situation as well as other issues affecting the Filipino community.
“We appeal to all and sundry to extend any help to Magdalena Perez so that she could go home to join her family as she seeks treatment in the Philippines,” Alex Veloso-Bello, OFW Congress president, told a group of community leaders during a meeting at the Almutlaq Novotel in Riyadh.
While her friends tried to find out how she could be treated here, Perez, single mother of eight children, said she wished to go home to join her family while she’s undergoing treatment.
“I’d rather go home to join my family. If I get well, I’ll continue my involvement in the community, either in the Philippines or — if I have the chance to come back — in the Kingdom,” she told some 38 leaders representing different organizations.
Perez’s employer, who has abandoned her, has refused to grant her an exit visa.
But Bello said Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla has promised to help expedite Perez’s departure.
“With her cervical cancer already at stage 3, immediate treatment is necessary,” Bello said, adding that Perez needs money for her plane ticket as well as for her treatment.
