First batch of quake-hit Pinoys from Italy arrives home

The first batch of Filipinos affected by the earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy arrived home, reports said Wednesday.

The batch consisted of six people from two families. They arrived on board a Cathay Pacific CX 907 flight from Italy.

Among those repatriated was Jennifer Arce who worked as a domestic worker in Italy for 13 years.

“Akala namin mamamatay kami. Tinanggap ko na lang, naghintay na lang, nagdasal po,” said Arce on her experience during the April 6 earthquake which hit Central Italy.

Arce said she was at home with her child when the earthquake occurred.

“Sa taas namin may nakatira, akala ko guguho, unan nilagay ko sa anak ko, para di masaktan masyado,” said Arce.

Like Arce, another OFW identified as Marvin Gacayan also saved his wife and two kids.

“Nagpapasalamat kami at binigyan kami ng Diyos ng pangalawang buhay,” said Gacayan.

The two families were evacuated to safer grounds and stayed in tents provided for victims displaced by the earthquake. They remained there for three weeks. The tents also served as temporary shelter to some 120 Filipinos.

Some Filipinos remain worried about their passports and other important documents that were buried under rubbles. Aside from passports, OFWs must show their permits to stay and Italian identification cards before they are allowed to be repatriated.

“Kung uuwi na walang document, they can't go back. Karamihan ayaw umuwi dahil gusto nilang bumalik, matagal na sila doon,” said administrator Carmelita Dimzon of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The OWWA also gave financial assistance to each OFW who opted to remain in Italy and look for other jobs. With reports from Jocelyn Ruiz, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

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