OFW child gets wish from Villar

Nacionalista Party President Manny Villar has fulfilled the Christmas wish of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for the baptism of her child who finally received the sacrament at nearly the age of four.

Distressed OFW Jennifer Calinao-Ligay, who arrived in Manila on Sept. 30 after Villar facilitated her rescue and repatriation from Bahrain, recently requested Villar for financial assistance for the baptism of her daughter Crystal Joyce Calinao Ligay who had not been administered the sacrament.

The senator not only arranged and financed Ligay's baptismal celebration but he also stood as godfather during the baptismal rites held at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mandaluyong City.

A tearful Calinao-Ligay embraced Villar in gratitude, recalling her ordeal in Bahrain where she sought help from passersby by dropping from the window of her room where she was locked up sheets of carton on which she wrote her pleas which eventually reached Villar, who stopped over in Bahrain on his way to Jordan.

It can be recalled that Villar personally advised Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Eduardo Pablo Maglaya and Consul General Jose dela Burgos to immediately rescue the distressed OFW, who was promptly repatriated to the Philippines. It was Villar who paid for her return ticket and reimbursement to sponsor.

The OFW earlier recounted in her letter, "Hirap ako dito sa loob, napakainit, hindi ako nakakatulog, para akong nakakulong sa bartolina. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko sa buhay ko. Nauubos na ang luha ko sa loob na ito sa kaiiyak pero wala naman akong magawa para makatakas dito."

Following the baptismal rites was a reception held at Max's Restaurant at Starmall, Edsa.

"It is my pleasure to fulfill the earnest Christmas wish of our OFW for the spiritual welfare of her child Joyce, and encourage her to carry on," Villar said.

The OFW mother said, "It was worth the wait, and I can't almost believe this is the way her baptism is happening. Almost four years of longing for this occasion ended in a big, joyful surprise."

Villar has been undertaking repatriation efforts for distressed OFWs not only from Bahrain but also from Jordan, Abu Dhabi, and other Middle East countries through OFW Helpline 09174226800.