by Maria Nicole Dominique Dimayacyac
Just like every Overseas Filipino Worker, Abegail Compuesto hoped that going abroad would solve her family's financial situation. However, what she experienced was contrary to her expectations.
Life in the Philippines was never easy for Abegail. She was far from living comfortably. For the sake of her then 3-year-old son, Kobe, Abegail did not hesitate to accept a waitressing job in Malaysia by some recruitment agency.
It was in 2008 when she decided to leave her home in search of a better life. But instead of boarding a plane on her way to Malaysia, her recruiters boarded them on a boat. The next thing she knew, they were being trafficked.
Fortunately, Abegail was rescued before things got any worse. They were taken to Batis AWARE Women's Organization, one of several organizations in the Philippines that help migrant women and trafficked individuals recover from their trauma.
The BATIS Organization supported Abegail from resolving issues with her illegal recruiters up to going back home to her family, where she can finally begin healing and building a new life.
After keeping in touch for so long, Abegail has become a member of the same organization that helped her recover. She has been attending training, helping other migrant women with illegal recruitment, and educating them on how to defend their rights.
Abegail has also been leading a women's organization in her community in Sto. Tomas, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. With what she has become, Abegail gave a bit of important advice: "Women should look out for one another. If there is anything you can do to help, please do so. I needed support and was given – that made me the person I am today."
Abegail now has two wonderful children, giving her enough reason to strive and make the world a better and safer place for them. More so, she is a proud survivor and TUMITINDIG.
WATCH HER STORY:
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