OFWs in Hong Kong continue work, amid massive protests, to support families in PHL

Despite the massive protest activities in Hong Kong, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seem tireless as they continue to perform their jobs to be able to send money to their families. Others spend their time off from work to earn money.

GMA News' Maki Pulido reported on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho that Cristina Arviola, after working as a domestic helper for six days, spend her day off selling food to fellow Filipinos so she can send money for her family's expenses in the Philippines.

The OFWs said they have to send money so their families can pay "Judith" or "due date" of phone bills, electric bills, among others.

Catherine Andrada, meanwhile, moonlights as a manicurist so she could send enough cash to her loved ones.

"Habang tumataas 'yung sweldo, tumataas din sa atin kaya 'di ko rin nafi-feel 'yung itinataas ng sweldo dito kasi tumataas din ang bilihin sa atin. Kulang pa po. Kailangan ko pang kumita ng extra," she said.

Another Filipina domestic helper in Hong Kong who declined to face the camera, "Marie," said she endures eating the leftover food of her employer and sleeping on the kitchen floor.

She wants to finish her employment contract, avoid a terminated contract and maintain a good record.

"Kusina po talaga 'yung tinutulugan ko, as in bungad po talaga ng kusina. Doon po ako hirap. Hirap sa pagkain at hirap sa tulugan," she said.

"Ayokong umuwing talunan kaya ayokong sabihing ganito 'yung sitwasyon ko. Kumbaga, kailangan ko maging matapang," she added.

The OFW said she just holds on to the hope that her next employer would be more compassionate and humane. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News