RIYADH, 12 July 2004 — The calls for help on behalf of ailing Filipino community leader has drawn enthusiastic responses from various groups and individuals, including a member of the royal family, campaigners for Magdalena Perez said yesterday.
A number of community leaders in the capital city kicked off a campaign on Friday to help Perez, a single parent with eight children, who is stricken with cervical cancer.
And among those who have responded right away was Princess Sarah bin Khalid bin Musaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, according to Alex Veloso-Bello, president of the OFW Congress.
“Princess Sarah has expressed her desire to extend financial assistance and asked Ms. Perez’s address in the Philippines where any help could be sent,” Bello told Arab News yesterday.
Princess Sarah was contacted through one of her staff, Cora Villanueva, a friend of a Filipino nurse at the Riyadh Central Hospital, Evelyn Lugo, who has also been helping needy Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla has also promised that Perez could leave for home using a travel document instead of an exit visa.
Perez — whose sponsor has abandoned her and refused to issue an exit visa — has been scheduled to leave on July 18 on a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight.
A member of the OFW Congress and president of the group Pinoy Friendly, Perez has said she wants to go home to the Philippines to be with her family while undergoing treatment.
Bello said Dan de Jesus, another community leader, has also raised the amount for a plane ticket through contributions of OFWs working at Saudi Oger.
Bello himself has solicited contributions from fellow employees at the Asea Brown Boveri. “I express my thanks to all who have responded to the call for help on behalf of a compatriot who has selflessly worked for compatriots in the Saudi capital,” he said.
A committee chaired by Kakampi president Bong Amara will meet again on Friday to receive contributions pledged by other OFWs. The Bicol Saro nin Riyadh is expected to turn over its own contribution.
The committee, formed to unite all OFWs in the Saudi capital, is composed of Bello, Rasheed Fabricante, Joey Badong, Manny Lector, and Dr. Mohd. Ali Carlito Astillero.
