Basilisa, Dinagat Islands -- Gemaceta is a mother of seven and a resident of Barangay Geotina, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands. Her husband, Juan Rustia Sr. is a fisherman who earns an income not adequate for a family of nine. “Sa iyang kita sa pagpanagat ra gyud mi ga depende, wala pud koy trabaho busa dili gyud igo nga makapaeskwela mi sa mga bata hangtud sa kolehiyo kung sa kita ra sa pagpanagat ang saligan, (we used to depend solely on my husband’s income as a fisherman. But since I don’t have a job, we can’t send all our children to college),” remarked Gemaceta. 

     Sinabacan, Misamis Oriental -- About 11 million Filipinos have been abroad to seek greener pasture (Collymore, 2003). They believe that it is the surest and most plausible way to uplift their family from their status in life. They endure the homesickness and sacrifice the opportunity to be with their children in their growing up years. They hope that by doing so, a brighter future for their loved ones awaits them.

    While some dreams become a reality, most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bring home traumatic stories. Racial discrimination, human trafficking, and physical abuse are the challenges that most of our fellow Filipinos experience while being enslaved in foreign countries.

Delegates of Palawan Province present the 4Ps MOA to President Gloria M. Arroyo. In the photo with PGMA are, (L-R) Ms. Nimfa O. Tuguay of MSWDO, Coron; Ms. Apolonia David PSWDO of Palawan; Dir. Violeta A. Cruz, DSWD FO IV-B; Mayor Daniel Rodriguez of Araceli; Sec. Esperanza I. Cabral, DSWD; Usec. Luwalhati F. Pablo, DSWD; Cong. Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra of 2nd District; Mayor Marsito Acoy of Sofronio Espanola; Mayor Clara Degillo of Rizal; Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa City; Mayor Ronilo Caputilla of Quezon; Mayor Dennis Sabando of Roxas and Mr. Gonzalo Fernandez, SB member of El Nido Palawan