Rosana Dela cruz: Compass GlobalPinoy Awardee

Compass PH, Safeguarding Global Migrants
Compass Global Pinoy Awardee: Rosana Dela Cruz
Hometown: Isabela
Years in Abroad: 3 Years

“I’m proud of being an OFW and a Filipino because I have strong will and determination even if I have to be far away from my family. My dream is to give a good future to my family especially to my two kids,” Rosana stated when sharing her story with Compass PH and Global Dominion Financing Inc.

Just like any other OFWs, her beginnings aren’t easy and she’s faced with a lot of difficulties in life. “I grew up helping my parents who were farmers in Isabela and worked as a house helper way back. I have worked in Malaysia for 2 years before going to Hong Kong. God is very good to me for giving me a great employer who treats me as family member,” she added.
As Filipinos it is essential for us to give back all the blessings we receive and we always wanted to pay it forward in any way we can, especially in the case of those working abroad. “For me to be able to give back, I help other Filipinos here in Hong Kong. I joined the organization Filipino Migrants Workers’ Union which supports other (old and new) Domestic Helpers,” said Rosana.

For the past 3 years, she has devoted herself to and volunteered for the said organization to help other Filipinos in Hong Kong. Together with the rest of the institution, they educate people about the laws that they need to adhere to and sometimes help them to look for new employers if their contracts get terminated. They also organize activities that help take their minds off of stressful issues and concerns. Those activities really help people stay relaxed, focused, and with peace of mind, despite the struggles that they face daily away from their families. “One of the proudest moments that I have experienced is when I met a Kababayan one Sunday in Central. She was new here in Hong Kong and she only has HK$100 and I gave my extra money to her and she was very grateful,” Rosana told our team. “I don’t have a lot but I know that the amount that I have shared has helped in a way and made me realize that showing ‘malasakit’ to others is very important,” she added.

“Sa tingin ko tinatawag kaming mga bayani dahil kahit gaano kahirap ang trabaho nagagawa parin namin para sa pamilya naming. Ang mga OFW kahit umulan, umaraw nagtatrabaho pa rin. At kapag araw nang day-off nasa isang sulok kami na sama-sama para lang nakakapagpahinga at kung anong pagkain meron kami yun ang kakainin namin hanggang gabi,sa hangad naming makatipid para lang may maitabi. Hindi basta-basta ang pagiging isang OFW, kailangang matatag ka sa anumang pagsubok na dumating sa buhay mo, hindi solusyon ang maging mahina, kailangan ng tatag nang loob kahit malayo ka sa iyong pamilya,” shared by Rosana with full of emotions, telling a piece of every OFWs’ story.
“Para sa mga anak ko, sana ay pahalagahan nila ang pinapadala ko. Mag-aral sila ng mabuti lagi. At sana sila mag-pray kay God at huwag mawalan ng pag-asa na balang araw ay makakauwi din ako ng Pilipinas at makikita muli sila.” – Ate Rosana. And just like most of our countrymen outside the Philippines, Rosana dreams to finally go back to our country and be with her family, with the hopes of having enough money to fulfil their aspirations.

Ate Rosana Delacruz is our Compass GlobalPinoy Awardee this September, 2019! Join us in recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of our OFWs by sharing her story with your family and friends.