Among the thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) striving abroad is Anizette Cabiles, a 40-year-old born and raised in Tabaco City, who now manages an international company that manufactures bill and coin counting machines for the global market. Her rise has also served as a bridge to employment opportunities for fellow Filipinos abroad.
Before leaving the Philippines, Cabiles served as an SK Chairman in Tabaco City. She was poised to run for City Councilor, following in the political footsteps of her father, a three-term councilor, and her grandfather, a former mayor. At the same time, she worked as a physical education instructor at two local schools—Tabaco College and the Polytechnic Institute of Tabaco.
Struggles and Adaptation
Despite her educational credentials, she prioritized long-term stability over the volatile nature of local politics, with the help of her aunt Janing Manalo in Modena. Located in northern Italy, Modena is known for its strong industrial base, particularly in the automotive and electromechanical sectors.
Upon arrival, Cabiles faced the harsh realities of migrant life. Unfamiliar with household chores such as cooking and cleaning, she struggled emotionally and physically as a domestic helper.
“Back home, life was more comfortable. Here, you had to do everything by yourself,” she recalled. Despite the physical hardship and emotional stress, she remained committed to finding better opportunities.
Career Progression
Her ambition motivated her to undertake an apprenticeship at an electromechanics firm, a sector vital to Modena’s industrial environment.
Over time, her determination and work ethic became evident. Despite language barriers, she gained the trust of management through her dedication.
“Although I was not fully knowledgeable, they recognized my determination—that even without the ability to speak their language, I knew how to work hard,” she said.
Her performance earned her successive promotions—from apprentice to team leader, then to supervisor and department head. By 2019, she was offered a partnership and was named the managing head of one of the group’s companies, making her the first Filipino to lead the firm.
Uplifting Filipinos in Italy
Anizette’s personal success is deeply intertwined with her commitment to uplifting fellow Filipinos. When she joined the company, there were no other Filipinos—she was the very first.
“At that time, the company mainly hired people of other nationalities, such as Albanians, Turks, and Italians. My entry marked the beginning of a change,” Cabiles said.
Recognizing her capability and dedication, the company eventually began hiring more Filipinos, starting with her cousins and later extending to others she knew. Even when Cabiles was only a team leader, she had already begun recruiting Filipinos.
Now managing a company where she is both a partner and leader, she ensures that Filipino talent is recognized and given a platform in Italy’s competitive work environment. Her leadership style values determination—proving that grit and heart speak louder than words.
Anizette Cabiles embodies what it means to transform personal dreams into shared victories.
“Kung may dream ka, itodo mo na,” she said.
Her story reminds us that success is not only measured by personal achievements but also by the lives we uplift along the way.I Nicole Castillo