For OFWs leaving before Christmas, Dec. 25 is just an ordinary date


For some OFWs, December 25 is just an ordinary date.
Although many will be reunited with their families for Christmas, there are those who will depart just days ahead of what is considered as the most festive holiday of the year.
At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), sights of kids crying as they bid a departing parent goodbye are commonplace two days before Christmas, according to Chino Gaston's report on "24 Oras" on Friday.
"Magpa-Pasko na. Nakakalungkot na hindi kami magkakasama-sama," said Janru Samonte, nephew of Rose, who was departing for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Both Rose and her young daughter, who was with her at the airport, cried as they embraced each other for the last time before she entered the departure area, knowing it would be a long time before they see each other again.
Another young girl was shown in the video crying and hugging her father tightly as if she did not want him to go.
Though sad for the departure, some OFWs are still thankful that they had a chance to go home — even for a brief period — before the holidays.
"Nag-reunion na po kami last December 18. Nagsama-sama po kaming mga magkakapatid, mga hinipag, mga anak, lahat po sila. Yun na po yung pinaka-Pasko namin dito sa Pilipinas," said Elvira dela Cruz, another OFW.
For Rio Sabater, who departed for the Middle East, such sacrifice is needed in order for them to give their loved ones back home a better life.
"Nalulungkot, sir, pero kailangan talaga kasi para sa pamilya nga, para sa mga bata, para sa mga pag-aaral nila," he said. —KBK, GMA News

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