AN APPEAL to help a badly-injured Filipino road traffic accident victim has received overwhelming support from readers. Funds needed for her journey home were collected in less than 12 hours after an article highlighting her plight was published in the GDN.
Housemaid Ofelia Paglinawan is battling injuries and memory loss while gradually recovering at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC). She needed BD753 (PHP100,000) for medication as she prepares to travel back to her home town of Batangas.
Friends of the 51-year-old were stunned by the response from big-hearted well-wishers. “We are so happy,” said her friend Rowena Acaso, who initiated the drive. “Support quickly started pouring in and by around noon we had received BD633.
“Then I received a call from a wonderful Bahraini woman who said she could cover the remaining costs. She didn’t want to reveal her name, like all the others.
“So now, we have received more than BD900 which is more than the amount we had hoped for. We are so thankful to all who helped and the GDN – whatever the amount we receive it will be sent on to Ofelia’s family.”
Ms Acaso said that the donors came from all over the kingdom, from all nationalities and all walks of life. “A British national contributed BD300, which was the highest amount, whilst someone even thoughtfully sent BD2, the most they could afford, which was very touching,” she added.
“We appreciate all the gestures of kindness to Ofelia – may God bless you all.”
Ms Paglinawan, who was working as a maid in a Bahraini household in Sanad, was involved in a collision with a car while cycling in Juffair, on May 25. She was rushed to SMC suffering from multiple fractures, chest and head injuries and underwent several operations. She has been left with a speech impairment and loss of memory.
“We are waiting for her sponsor to let us know when she can travel,” said Ms Acaso. “It all depends on the availability of a ticket.”
Doctors had said that Ms Paglinawan is now well enough to travel but will need a wheelchair and medical assistance, including a therapist, on the trip. Her sponsor and the Philippines Embassy have been helping with travel arrangements.
Ms Acaso said that more help has been pledged for Ms Paglinawan.
“A British woman called and said that she would like to meet Ofelia when she’s ready to travel. She said she would like to give her some clothes and further assistance,” she added.
Ms Paglinawan, who had worked in Bahrain for three years, according to doctors, can move her limbs and sit comfortably in a chair – although she still lacked control over her bowel movements and urination.
The funds will cover the immediate cost of medications needed when she reaches home. After that, her children have said they will manage.
The single mother-of-five – Harvy, 23, Paula, 21, Irene, 18, Jonas, 15 and Jhuno, 12 – was a cheerful and active person before the accident. Despite working as a full-time housemaid, she took up an accounting course at the Filipino Institute Bahrain and topped the class.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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