Stranded OFW returns home from Kuwait through bayanihan, bartering

A 60-year-old overseas Filipino worker in Kuwait has been able to return home through bayanihan and bartering, after being indebted and stranded in the Gulf state. 

“Nag-guarantor kasi ako sa isang kaibigan na nag-loan sa bangko,” recounted Sergio M. Bolonias, a driver mechanic in the United Beverages Company K.S.C.C (UNIBEV), in an interview via Messenger on September 22.

Photo courtesy: Mary Rose Mago

“Kaso umuwi siya ng Pinas at hindi na makabalik sa hindi ko nalamang dahilan,” the native from Cebu added.

His misfortune was aggravated when he acquired a kidney tumor and arthritis.

“Pangarap ko talagang mangibang bansa alang-alang sa aking pamilya noon pa. Minsan nga lang akong nagbabakasyon kasi ang kita ko ay tama lang sa mga anak kong nag-aaral.”

“Kaso na-hospital ako dahil sa nagkaroon ako ng tumor sa bato tapos nagka-arthritis pa dahil on and off ako sa work ko.”

Among the people who helped Bolonias were Menchie So Alvarez, Gon Freecs, Ms. Noor, Mr. Hanson, Ms. Nevinne Abarra Mati, Ate C, ChrisMar Panesa Agullana, Chris Lamoste, Lhen Sam Dorompili, Lulu Dela Cruz Magsino, and the Pinoy Kuwait Barter Official.

Among the goods that were bartered for his plane ticket home, on the other hand, were diapers, milk formulas, black Gucci boots, an overnight bag, and a 10-inch laptop bag.

Bolonias also got toured to places other than the Haraj (Friday Market), which is the only place he could go to during his 20 years in Kuwait, two weeks before his flight home.

“Marami akong dapat pasalamatan. Una, sa Poong Maykapal tapos sa mag-asawa na nagkupkop sa akin sa panahon ng lockdown sa Farwaniya.”

“Kung hindi dahil sa mga taong tumulong sa akin, kung hindi dahil sa kanila na nagpagod at nagpuyat, hindi pa siguro ako nakakauwi hanggang ngayon or kahit kailan.”—LBG, GMA News