The cost of leaving: What every future OFW carries before the flight

MANILA, Philippines — Before an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) boards a plane, there are documents to process, medical examinations to complete and suitcases to pack. But long before takeoff, many carry something much heavier: debt, responsibility and the hopes of an entire family.

According to Metrobank, these early financial obligations and decisions are among the most critical in an OFW's journey. Even before leaving the country, families often shoulder placement fees, documentation costs, training expenses and daily living expenses while waiting 30 to 60 days for the worker's first salary.

For Amelia Pira Pogyao, 38, preparing to return to Hong Kong as a domestic helper means leaving behind her husband and two young children in Abra and taking on the financial burden that comes with pursuing work overseas.

"What inspired me to work overseas is my family. But truth be told, marami rin kaming utang na kailangang bayaran," she shared.

With her husband currently unemployed except for occasional farming work, a struggling sari-sari store and irregular side jobs, Amelia said working abroad became their family's best chance at rebuilding financial stability.

Before she could even leave, she had to borrow money to cover the costs of deployment.

"Kailangan ko pang mangutang para sa lahat ng kailangang bayaran, medical, trainings, matutuluyan at araw-araw na makakain. Nagpapasalamat ako sa aking pamilya na tumulong para mabayaran ang kailangan bayaran, sa mother-in-law ko, sister-in-law at mga kapatid ko."

According to Metrobank, preparing for overseas work should involve both the OFW and the family members who remain at home. Discussing remittance expectations, reducing pre-departure debt, assigning someone to help manage household finances, and continuing to save can help families navigate the transition more confidently.

Drawing from its studies on overseas Filipinos and their families, Metrobank found out that the first five months abroad are often the most financially challenging, as much of an OFW’s income goes toward repaying pre-departure debt and supporting loved ones back home rather than building savings.

The bank said it is critical for families to plan in advance. Clearly mapping out how the remittances during the first few months abroad will be split between debt, household expenses, and savings is critical. This kind of budgeting could have helped Amelia's family financially, making them borrow less and on clearer terms.

A goodbye that begins long before the airport

Beyond the financial burden comes an equally difficult emotional one.

For Amelia, the hardest part has been preparing her children for separation.

"My children felt really sad, especially my youngest, Renz, who is only five years old. It broke my heart seeing them like that. Mahirap pero kailangan. I need to be strong, especially because I will be away from my family."

She also worries about the uncertainty waiting for her overseas.

"I feel scared because I don't know what kind of employers I will have when I get to Hong Kong. Just like all OFWs who work as domestic helpers, we pray that we will have kind employers."

Back home, Amelia's departure also means her eldest sister, Carolina Pira Valeros, will take on more responsibilities. As the eldest of four siblings, Carolina now helps care for their parents while looking after Amelia's children alongside the rest of the family.

Like many OFW households, the sacrifice extends beyond the person leaving. While one family member works abroad, those who remain at home often shoulder additional caregiving responsibilities to keep the household running.

A shared reality

Amelia's story is far from unique.

Joseph Martinez Garcia, now a personal care worker in Australia, also faced financial hurdles before achieving greater stability overseas.

"One of the biggest challenges for me was definitely the financial pressure while transitioning from a student visa to an employer-sponsored Subclass 482 visa," he said, adding that he credits discipline, living simply and saving aggressively to help him navigate the transition.

Like Amelia, he said leaving his family behind was emotionally difficult, underscoring that financial preparation and personal sacrifice often go hand in hand for Filipinos pursuing opportunities overseas.

Preparing the whole family

"Working abroad is not just a career choice, it's an act of love and duty. The moment they board that plane, they become the family's financial backbone," said Digs Dimagiba, Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer.

Metrobank also emphasized that remittances become more meaningful when families work toward shared financial goals, whether it's buying a home, starting a business, or funding a child's education.

For Amelia, the dream remains simple.

"Ang dasal ko ay maging maayos ang buhay namin sa sakripisyong gagawin ko."

Long before an OFW boards a plane, the journey has already demanded financial and emotional sacrifices. By encouraging families to prepare for those realities together, Metrobank hopes more Filipinos can build not only better opportunities overseas, but also lasting financial security for the future.

This article is part of Metrobank's Moneygurado campaign, which promotes financial mindfulness. Through practical financial guidance and real-life stories, the campaign aims to help OFWs and their beneficiaries make informed decisions before, during and after their overseas journey.

Editor's Note: This #Brandspace story is created with Metrobank. It is produced by the Advertising Content Team that is independent of our Editorial newsroom.