While the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in millions of people being made redundant in their jobs, Filipinos in the UAE continue to display a spirit of resilience – choosing to face life head on and hope for the best instead of reeling in despair.
Many of these individuals have been trying to power through since they became affected by the crisis, with some being laid off from their jobs, and others being placed on unpaid leave for several months.
Teacher Assistant Charity Doble Aglosolas, 47, said that she was made redundant in March as the company grapples to survive the effects of the disease. She said that in her 11 years of being in the UAE, this was her first time she felt hopeless by a something she cannot defeat.
“Sobrang na-stress po ako at inaatake ako lagi ng anxiety ko,” she said.
However, Aglosolas said that she’s trying to cope with her problems because nobody else can her surmount the challenge but herself. She added that thinking about how many others could be suffering from worse situations helps her survive day by day.
“Kailangan ko mag-isip na mga diskarte at malabanan itong mga nararamdaman ko po. Alam ko ako lang makakagamot nito kaya laban lang. Inisip ko na lang na hindi lang naman ako ang nagkakaproblema at may mga taong mas malaki ang problema,” she said. “Kung kinakaya nila, kakayanin go din.”
Now, she said, she’s trying to be more proactive in doing household work for friends and other people in order to afford her daily expenses. She’s cooking meals for birthdays, cleans houses, and babysits for her friends and cousin in exchange for daily meals.
“At least malibre lang ako ng ulam sobrang laking tulong na ‘yon,” she added.
Aglosolas also realized the value of saving money in order to have an emergency fund, noting that not every penny has to be sent back to the Philippines.
“Kailangan talaga na may mga naipit or naipon tayo kahit konti for emergency para may madudukot tayo kahit paano,” she said.
However, she also said that she remains thankful because at least, her two kids are earning money despite the crisis.
“Sa mga anak ko ako kumukuha ng lakas, at ang pag-aalaga ko sa kanila ngayon ay siyang iniisip ko na trabaho ko, at ang sahod na nakukuha ko ay ang makita silang malusog at masaya,” she added.
“Madami pa ding tao ang busilak ang puso”
Meanwhile, 43-year-old Irene Legaspi, who has been in the UAE for the past 12 years, said that after being laid off in March, she gets by with the warm hearts of her friends.
She said that she has so many friends and people helping her survive the tough challenges posed by the pandemic, a reason she remains grateful to God.
“Ang mga pagsubok na naisip ko ay siyempre pagkain, tapos hindi ako makakapagpadala sa pamilya ko sa Pilipinas. Pero naisip ko na lagi lang magdasal at magtiwala dahil madami pa ding tao na busilak ang puso handing tumulong,” she said.
Legaspi also underscored the importance of saving money, as she realized that OFWs have no one to help them once crises like this occur.
“Natutunan ko sa panahon ng pandemic na totoo talaga na kailangan mo talagang magtabi para sa sarili mo, kasi walang ibang tutulong sa’yo sa ganitong krisis,” she said.
Now, she said her priority is to take care of her mental health as she prepares to rise back up—destressing herself through watching movies, exercising, and utilizing social media.
“Lakasan lang ang ating loob. Isipin natin mga pamilya natin na nagbibigay lakas para maka-survive. Gumawa tayo ng paraan para maiwasan ang lungkot lalo na ngayong nag-iisa tayo. Isipin natin na kakayanin natin lahat,” she added.
Rising back up
Another Filipino who has shown strength amid the crisis is Marvin Forinas, 40, who worked as a photographer in Sharjah before he got fired due to the crisis.
He said that since the redundancy, it has become difficult for him to survive due to loss of income—adding that there are times when he was just eating once a day just to save budget.
“Gutom at pagkaulila sa pamilya talaga ang una kong naramdam simula noong maubos ang pera ko,” he said.
However, the help of his friends and some charity groups providing relief goods allowed him to take life on a positive note, and inspired him to not give up on looking for another job.
Now, he said he’s been actively submitting his CVs in order to land an interview, noting that the only way to ensure a bright tomorrow amid the pandemic is to stand up and try again.
“Sa mga kababayan na katulad kong nawalan ng trabaho, laban lang tayo at ‘wag mawalan ng pag-asa. Magdasal lang dahil darating din ang araw na malalampasan natin ito,” he said.
