OFW Pahima Alagasi answers questions from the media upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport
MANILA, Philippines — Pahima Alagasi, the Filipina domestic helper who was scalded by the mother of her employer with boiling water, has finally returned to the Philippines after working for four years in Saudi Arabia.
Pahima arrived in Riyadh in March 2014 to work as a domestic helper. Two months later, she fled from her employer’s house following the scalding incident. Her photo showing serious burns went viral on social media at the time.
With assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Pahima filed a case of maltreatment against the mother of her employer but was dismissed by the Saudi Prosecution Office. Instead, the family of her attacker filed counter charges which set off a four-year legal battle.
Now that she’s returned, Pahima said she still couldn’t believe she survived the abuse she suffered at the hands of her abusive employer.
“Hindi po ako makapaniwala na umabot ako sa ganito na nangyari ito sa buhay ko. Hindi ko na kasi inasahan na makakauwi pa ako,” the emotional Pahima expressed.
(I cannot believe that my life turned out this way. I had given up hope of ever coming home.)
The Pinay worker advises Filipinos who wish to work in the Kingdom to be strong physically and mentally.
For his part, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto said it is still important for aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to consider their family’s welfare first when deciding to work overseas.
“Bawa’t magulang at pamilya, ito ang unang-unang casualty ng pamilya na wala kayo habang lumalaki ang inyong mga anak,” he said.
(To every parent and family, the first casualty for the family [when working overseas] is leaving your children to grow up without you.)
Alonto cited the role of Interior Minister and Saudi Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif in facilitating Pahima’s exit from the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator (OWWA)Hans Leo Cacdac assured that Pahima and her family will receive financial and livelihood assistance from the government.
“Ang kabutihan ng livelihood hindi lang si Pahima kundi ang nanay niya, mayroon ding cash assistance that awaits her sa kanyang pagdalaw kay Pangulo,“ Cacdac concluded.
(The good thing about livelihood is that, aside from Pahima, her mother will also have cash assistance waiting for her when meets the President.)
Pahima is set to fly to Davao City tomorrow to pay a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte. — Marje Navarro-Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue
The post Scalded Pinay worker Pahima Alagasi finally returns home appeared first on UNTV News.