The Heavy 'Cost' Carried by Overseas Filipino Workers Before Departure

MANILA, Philippines — The journey for an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) begins long before they board a plane, involving not just processing documents, medical examinations, and packing, but also carrying a heavier load of debt, responsibilities, and the hopes of an entire family. According to Metrobank, these early financial obligations and decisions are among the most critical in an OFW's journey. Many families shoulder placement fees, documentation costs, training expenses, and daily living expenses while waiting 30 to 60 days for the worker's first salary. Amelia Pira Pogyao, 38, preparing to return to Hong Kong as a domestic helper, exemplifies this. Leaving her husband and two young children in Abra, she faces the financial burden of pursuing overseas work. "What inspired me to work overseas is my family. But truth be told, marami rin kaming utang na kailangang bayaran," she shared. With her husband's income from occasional farming work, a struggling sari-sari store, and irregular side jobs, working abroad became their best chance at financial stability. Amelia had to borrow money to cover deployment costs, including medical exams, training, accommodation, and daily sustenance, expressing gratitude for her family's help. Metrobank emphasizes that preparation for overseas work should involve both the OFW and their families. Discussing remittance expectations, reducing pre-departure debt, assigning someone to manage household finances, and continuing to save can help families navigate the transition more confidently. Their studies indicate that the first five months abroad are often the most financially challenging, as much of an OFW’s income goes toward repaying pre-departure debt and supporting loved ones rather than building savings. Beyond the financial burden lies an equally difficult emotional one. Amelia finds preparing her children for separation the hardest part, especially her five-year-old son. "It broke my heart seeing them like that. Mahirap pero kailangan. I need to be strong, especially because I will be away from my family." She also worries about the uncertainty of her future employers in Hong Kong. Amelia's departure also means her eldest sister, Carolina Pira Valeros, will take on more responsibilities, helping care for their parents and Amelia's children. This sacrifice extends beyond the departing OFW, with those remaining home often shouldering additional caregiving duties. Joseph Martinez Garcia, now a personal care worker in Australia, also faced financial hurdles before achieving greater stability. He highlights the financial pressure during his visa transition and credits discipline, simple living, and aggressive saving for his success. Like Amelia, he found leaving his family emotionally difficult, underscoring that financial preparation and personal sacrifice are intertwined for Filipinos seeking opportunities abroad. "Working abroad is not just a career choice, it's an act of love and duty. The moment they board that plane, they become the family's financial backbone," said Digs Dimagiba, Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer. Metrobank also stresses that remittances become more meaningful when families work towards shared financial goals, such as buying a home, starting a business, or funding a child's education. Amelia's ultimate dream is simple: "Ang dasal ko ay maging maayos ang buhay namin sa sakripisyong gagawin ko." Long before an OFW boards a plane, their journey demands significant financial and emotional sacrifices. By encouraging families to prepare for these realities together, Metrobank aims to help Filipinos build better opportunities overseas and lasting financial security for the future. This article is part of Metrobank's Moneygurado campaign, promoting financial mindfulness through practical guidance and real-life stories for OFWs and their beneficiaries.