OFW quits Dubai job to become athlete in PHL

Despite having a steady job in the United Arab Emirates, a Filipino athlete has opted to resign to represent the country in the 9th ASEAN Para Games that will take place in Malaysia later this month.

"Mas gugustuhin ko na magsilbi sa ating bayan kaysa sa ibang bansa," Godfrey Esperanzate Taberna shared in an email. "Mas masarap magsilbi sa ating bayan kahit konti lang allowance."

 

Taberna, 37, worked as a bike mechanic in Dubai. He left the Philippines to seek better employment overseas in September last year.

Despite being born with a club foot, Taberna is determined to pursue his dream of being a good athlete representing the Philippines in international tournaments.

"Pangalawa lang ang premyo sa hinahangad ko. Ang pinakamasayang karangalan ay i-represent mo ang bayan," said the Nueva Vizcaya native.

Asked on his experience as an OFW, Taberna said it was not what he was expecting. His main complaint: delayed salary.

"Mahirap doon. Delay ang sahod at hindi ko magawa ang passion ko kaya nag-desisyon na lang na umuwi para ipagpatuloy ang naumpisahan dito," he said.

He said his employer also did not honor their agreement, which was to let him indulge in his passion while doing his job.

"Kinuha ako bilang athlete at tutulong sa shop na may sahod. Pagdating doon, tuwing day off na lang pwede mag-ensayo," Taberna said.

"Dito, mas gusto ng boss na naglalaro ako para ma-advertise yun store at mga product imbes na kukuha siya ng endorser," he added.

Godfrey’s first competition was during the 1st Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China, in October 2010, where he won fourth place. It was followed by competitions in Malaysia, India, and South Korea where he won silver and bronze medals.

For the upcoming Para Games, to be held on September 19 to 24, Godfrey will be competing in the track race and road race. —KBK, GMA News