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.