After nearly two months, a 53-year-old Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who died of hypertension in Saudi Arabia has been brought home to Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

The family of Ronaldo Serafica could not hold back tears and grief as they welcomed his remains on February 15, 2025.

His mother, Linda, recalled her son’s last request before he left.

"'Uwi na kao, 'Nay. Gulayan mo ako ng labong,' sabi niya. 'Kahit walang sahog. Basta gulayan mo lang ako ng labong,' [dagdag niya.] 'Oo, anak. Labong lang pala ang hinihingi mo,' [sabi ko]," Linda said.

"Pero paano ko igugulayan ng labong e, patay na ang anak ko?” Linda added.

PLANS TO COME HOME

Ronaldo worked as a barber in Saudi Arabia for 15 years.

He planned to return to the Philippines in December 2024, but health complications took his life before he could return home.

He was rushed to the hospital on October 9 after suffering from hypertension and later fell into a coma.

He passed away on December 27, 2024.

STRUGGLES AS AN UNDOCUMENTED WORKER

Ronaldo lost his job when the pandemic forced his company to shut down.

Unable to afford a flight home, he remained in Saudi Arabia and took temporary jobs at restaurants but he never stayed long out of fear of being caught.

“Matagal din siyang TNT na pala. Walang trabaho. Nag-e-extra lang sa restaurant. Pero hindi nakakatagal, siyempre natatakot daw baka makulong,” Linda said.

TNT stands for "Tago Nang Tago," which refers to undocumented OFWs who have overstayed their visas or work permits in foreign countries.

OFW HELP DESK ASSISTANCE

The Mangaldan OFW Help Desk worked with authorities to ensure Ronaldo’s remains were repatriated as quickly as possible.

“Kami ay agarang umaksyon at nakipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensiya para idulog po at hingin din po ang kanilang mabilis na aksyon para maiuwi yung ating kababayan,” Ernie Cuison, Head of the Mangaldan OFW Help Desk, said.

They also assured the family that they will assist with funeral expenses.