3 OFWs from Cagayan Valley came home in caskets this April 2025

Just like the few million Filipinos, three individuals from Cagayan Valley had no choice but to swallow the bitter pill of leaving their loved ones behind to work abroad in hopes of carving out a better future. Unfortunately, their journey of courage and sacrifice was cut short.

The three Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whose names were not publicly mentioned, will no longer be able to witness the fruits of their sacrifice as they died while working abroad. Their death was confirmed by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare 2, which coordinated the repatriation of their remains this April 2025.

The remains of a certain ‘kabayan’ from Naguilian, Isabela, arrived in the second week of this month. The deceased had been working in Kuwait before the demise due to suffocation caused by fire, according to the said agency.

During the Holy Week observance, two other OFWs returned home in caskets. One of whom is from Aglipay, Quirino Province, who suffered a severe brain hemorrhage caused by high blood pressure, also in Kuwait.

The other, who was from Ugac Norte, Tuguegarao City, succumbed to heart failure while working in Doha, Qatar.

The repatriation team of OWWA Regional Welfare Office 2 visited on Monday, April 21, the wake of the two ‘kabayans’ and extended assistance and benefits entitled to the families in accordance with the agency’s programs and services. These include, among others, burial aid, education, and livelihood assistance.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand with you in this time of grief and reaffirm our commitment to support the families of our modern-day heroes during their most difficult moments,” expressed the agency in its social media post.

Incidents such as these highlight the battles being faced by OFWs, sacrificing beyond borders just so they can provide much-needed security for their family.