RIYADH, 17 July 2004 - Ailing community leader Magdalena Perez yesterday thanked fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for drumming up support for her as she prepares to leave for the Philippines for cancer treatment. "I am beyond words in expressing my thanks to all of you and others who have lifted a finger so that I could go home to be with my family as I undergo treatment," Perez said.
The emotional meeting was attended by OFW leaders involved in the movement for the reunification of all Filipino groups in the Saudi capital.
Perez said that when she was helping other OFWs in time of need all these years, she never anticipated that her turn would come to ask for assistance.
She said she was hesitant to ask for help but she had no other recourse. "I have not been able to save because I have children to support," she said.
Perez has eight grown-up kids whom she has brought up alone after her husband died in 1976.
She thanked Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla for helping facilitate her travel papers.
The MRM Forwarders of Mark and Ric Mercado, through Dan de Jesus of Saudi Oger, has provided the plane ticket. A member of the royal family has also pledged financial support and has asked for Ms. Perez's bank account number.
The OFW leaders present during the meeting also turned over cash.
John Asperilla, secretary-general of the Kasapi Congress in Jeddah, and engineer Isagani Manalo in the Eastern Province, are also helping. Manalo was the former president of OFW Congress in Riyadh.
Each of the OFW leaders present during the meeting talked about Perez, with whom they have been working in rendering services to the Filipino community.
Dr. Mohd. Ali Carlito L. Astillero, director for laboratory services at Al Mishari Hospital, said that Perez has been helping in every way possible for needy compatriots.
Engineer Bioux "Flavio" Manilum, head of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR) - Riyadh Chapter, said he and his wife have known Perez since 1998 and "have seen how active she has been as far as the Filipino community is concerned."
Rashid Fabricante, action officer of Pusong Mamon Task Force, also acknowledged the contribution of Ms. Perez to the Filipino community. He said his group will endorse her to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other groups which could be of help.
Joey Badong, a member of the secretariat aiming to unify the various OFW groups, recalled how he and Ms. Perez have worked together either in participating in community activities or in rendering medical services.
