How does one become a hero?
The Philippines recently celebrated its National Heroes’ Day. While it is a time to celebrate the brave men who protected the honor of the country, it is also a day to that allows us to recognize the heroes of our time.
Overseas Filipino Workers are considered modern heroes, sacrificing their happiness and braving distance from the country to provide for their loved ones. In Jeddah, one OFW captured the hearts of her fellow Filipinos with her own capeless hero act—sharing her blessings to other OFWs on her own birthday.
Darlene A. Monterey, a staff nurse in a hospital in Madina Cardiac Center in Medina, Saudi Arabia, celebrated her birthday August 13 not by a party, but with a community program in partnership with the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah. This included distributing food supplies and personal hygiene kits to the male and female wards at the Consulate Community Hall. The money spent for the program was from her hard-earned salary.
According to Darlene, “I give not because I have everything, but because I know the feeling of having nothing.”
Consul General Ed Badajos expressed gratitude to Monterey for her personal advocacy that uplifted OFWs in distress.
“The Philippine Consulate deeply appreciates the kind gesture of Ms. Darlene. It’s a powerful manifestation of Consulate-community partnerships in helping OFWs in distress,” he said.
Photo credit: The Philippine Consulate in Jeddah
