Reporter’s Notebook turns 11 with OFW special

MANILA, Philippines - GMA 7’s Reporter’s Notebook celebrates its 11th anniversary with a two-part special on Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong.

For its initial offering, Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido feature two OFWs who are both suffering from cancer but are still working as household helpers.

Tessie has been an OFW for more than 20 years already and just last August, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. But in spite of this, she continues to work in Hong Kong where she has access to much cheaper medical treatment. In the Philippines, a chemotherapy package costs about P20,000 to P50,000. While in Hong Kong, Tessie pays only around P500.

Rose, on the other hand, has Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Just like Tessie, Rose chooses to stay to work in Hong Kong for her chemotherapy treatment. If she goes back to the Philippines, she will not be able to support her children as well as her pricey medical treatment.

 As they endure the pain of being miles apart from their families, they also endure the pain brought about by their illnesses. Why do they need to get such care from another country?

Reporter’s Notebook airs Thursdays at 5:20 p.m. after Destiny Rose.