Valentine’s Day is a time for love, affection, and togetherness; it is often celebrated with family, lovers or partners, and friends. But for millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the reality is different. Love transcends distance as they celebrate the occasion miles away from their loved ones—finding ways to let their presence still be felt even in the smallest way possible.
Relyn Antiporda from Mandaluyong who currently works as a domestic helper in Hong Kong said that Valentine’s Day means surprise gifts and video calls. Because she has been away from her husband and children for almost two years, she makes sure that her family in the Philippines still feels her love even though she is not by their side.
“Mag-pa-padeliver ako ng chocolate, pa-surprise. Kahit papaano, nakakabawi ako sa kanila,” Antiporda shared in an interview with BicoldotPH.
Similarly, Marlon Arcos from Sorsogon and an ophthalmic technician in Saudi Arabia, acknowledges that Valentine’s Day is often just another workday for many OFWs.
“Kadalasan, hindi na namin ‘to naaalala, pero minsan nagbabatian na lang sa social media,” he said in an interview with BicoldotPH.
Yet, despite the lack of grand gestures, the depth of their love remains evident in the daily sacrifices they make for their families.
For children of OFWs like Kian Arcos, son of Marlon, the absence of a parent during special occasions is bittersweet.
“Nakakalungkot po since you have to be separated from your father just for him to be able to provide your needs and give you the life that they wanted,” he said. “My father’s love is unconditional. He never forgets and always shows his love for us in the best way he could.”
Valentine’s Day is often associated with grand romantic gestures. But for OFWs, love is demonstrated through sacrifice. Working abroad is not just a career choice—it is a decision to endure loneliness, exhaustion, and the pain of missing out on family milestones.
Some OFWs find comfort in celebrating the day with fellow migrant workers. They bond over shared experiences, reminding one another that they are not alone in their struggles. Others choose to send gifts or money back home, ensuring that their loved ones can still celebrate even in their absence.
Love Through Hard Work and Local Struggles
The struggle of being away from home is often fueled by a common reason: financial necessity. Many Filipino parents choose to work abroad because local wages are insufficient to support their families.
Arcos recalls how her husband’s salary in the Philippines wasn’t enough to sustain their family, leading her to seek better opportunities abroad.
“Tatlo ang anak ko. Galing ako sa hirap, at ayaw kong iparanas sa kanila ang pinagdaanan ko noon,” she explained.
Similarly, Marlon knew that working as an ophthalmic technician in the Philippines wouldn’t provide the same financial stability as his job in Saudi Arabia.
“Triple ang sweldo dito kumpara sa Pilipinas,” he said.
His ultimate goal is to ensure his children finish their education so he can finally return home.
The stories of these OFW parents highlight a glaring issue—low wages in the Philippines. Many skilled workers, professionals, and laborers struggle to make ends meet with salaries that barely cover basic needs.
A domestic helper in Hong Kong, for instance, can earn around PHP 35,000–40,000 per month, significantly higher than what they would receive in the Philippines. For medical professionals like Marlon, working abroad triples their salary, giving them the ability to provide better opportunities for their families.
The Philippine education system is also a crucial factor. Many parents work overseas to afford quality education for their children. Public schools, while accessible, often lack resources, and private schools come at a high cost. The dream of sending children to college pushes many parents to endure years of separation just to secure a brighter future for their kids.
Parenting from a Distance
Parenting as an OFW is challenging. While financial support is essential, emotional presence is just as important. Technology helps bridge the gap, with many OFW parents relying on daily video calls and chats to stay connected with their children.
“After work, tawag lang nang tawag. Kausap lang sila lagi. Yan lang ang kaya ko,” she said, stressing that constant communication is key.
Marlon, on the other hand, ensures his children feel his love by supporting them in every way he can.
“Kung may kailangan sila sa school, hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip. Yan lang ang paraan para maramdaman nila na mahal ko sila,” he said.
Despite the opportunities abroad, the ultimate dream of many OFWs is to return home. Marlon’s goal is clear: once his children graduate, he will go back to the Philippines and finally settle.
“Mahirap ang malayo sa pamilya. Namimiss mo ang bawat celebration. Pag natapos na sila ng pag-aaral, uuwi na ako,” Marlon said.
Kian’s sympathy to OFWs leaves a message to the families who’ve been struggling from being away from their loved ones.
“Bilang mga anak na kinakailangang iwan ng mga parents nila for a better opportunity abroad, wag tayong magkaroon ng sama ng loob sa kanila because these are all for the betterment of us rin. Instead of being mad at them for it, let’s be considerate and just give and reciprocate them na lang the love that they deserve,” Kian said.
For now, many OFWs continue to endure the sacrifices, celebrating milestones and special occasions like Valentine’s Day in the best way they can—through calls, surprises, and the unwavering love they send across the miles.
While their presence is missed, their love remains steadfast, proving that for OFW parents, every day is Valentine’s Day when it comes to their families.I Erica Monilla Razo, Gela Antivola