First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos shared an emotional glimpse of her visit to shelters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she met Filipino mothers and distressed women, many of whom are awaiting repatriation.
In a series of Instagram posts, the First Lady reflected on her encounters at Bahay Kalinga and another female shelter in the capital. She expressed deep admiration for the resilience of Filipinas working overseas under difficult circumstances.
“Another gentle reminder that no matter how far they are, our kababayans should never feel forgotten,” she wrote, underscoring the importance of showing compassion and support to OFWs.
Marcos recounted being moved to tears while spending time with mothers and children at Bahay Kalinga. “Their stories of sacrifice and unconditional love touched my heart deeply. They are living reminders that behind every OFW is a family holding on to hope and fighting for a better life,” she said.
She also praised the strength of the women staying at the female shelter in Riyadh, many of whom have endured severe challenges. “These brave women at the female shelter in Riyadh have endured pain that most of us will never know—yet they still smiled, looked after one another and held on to hope,” she shared.
Among the most powerful moments, she said, was witnessing the women’s joyful reaction upon learning they would soon be reunited with their families in the Philippines. “The most beautiful moment? When they clapped and cried tears of joy upon learning they were finally going home,” she added.
The First Lady will return to Manila on July 21 and will not be joining President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his official trip to Washington, D.C.
