TGFM

Working abroad is a challenging experience for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It takes courage, determination, and grit to succeed in a foreign land, especially for those who are starting from scratch. But for Holy Rosary Agustin Lacanlale, her journey as an OFW is a testament to her perseverance and patience in building a successful career and a stable life away from home.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Holy Rosary Agustin Lacanlale, or “Holy” as she prefers to be called, left her home country in 2002 to seek employment opportunities abroad. At 23 years old, she started looking for work the very next day after arriving in the UAE, where she currently resides. Her first few months were not easy, as she faced indecent proposals and struggled to find a decent job without any work experience in the Philippines. But she persevered and eventually landed a job in a construction company that marked the beginning of her career as an OFW.

Over the years, Holy worked her way up the ladder, starting as a receptionist and later on becoming an Office Administrator for Miella General Trading L.L.C. Her job description includes managing an office without the need for supervision, and she takes pride in being a multitasker who can handle various responsibilities efficiently.

Apart from her dedication to her work, Holy also has a passion for helping others. She often does HR jobs, interviewing people in her own way, and recommending qualified candidates for promotions to her management. Many of the people she has helped in the past still thank her when they see her, and it gives her a sense of fulfillment to see them succeed.

When asked about what she likes about working overseas, Holy simply said, “Salary and incentives.” She worked hard to earn her money and used it to buy her own property and travel to places she has never been to before.

However, her journey as an OFW was not without struggles. She faced financial challenges during the economic downturn in 2008, where her salary was deducted, making it difficult for her to manage her finances. But she overcame this by cutting down on her expenses

Holy’s story is a reminder that success in the world of OFWs is not achieved overnight. It takes hard work, determination, and a positive attitude to overcome the challenges that come with working abroad. She is a woman of perseverance and patience, and her story is an inspiration to many who are on the same journey.