A MESSAGE FROM DUBAI

Many times in my life as a leader, I have been asked what it is that makes my life fulfilling.

My answer has always been: Seeing the people I help smile and even shed tears of joy because their leader loves them is what makes me happy.

Indeed, not everybody I helped turned around and said “Thank You.”

In fact, I can easily identify people who I helped with all of my heart but who abandoned me when I lost in the last elections because they thought that my political career was over.

But there were those who took time and effort to sincerely say “Thank you” and more often than not, these were the ordinary people whose lives I have touched.

Today, I received a message from Bhing Phoebe Porras who said I was able to help her when she was maltreated by her employer in Qatar.

Honestly, I vaguely remember the details of her story but her sincere words of appreciation and thanks touched me so much that I decided to share with you, my dear followers, her letter.

“Dear Gov,

“Ako yong taga-M’lang na nag-abroad sa Qatar.

“Minaltrato ako ng amo kong Lebanese. Anim na buwan di ako naka-uwi sa pamilya ko.

“Dahil sa tulong mo Gov, nakapiling ko ulit ang pamilya ko.

“Ngayon nandito ako sa Dubai at nakatagpo ako ng super bait na mga amo. Natupad ko na muli ang mga pangarap ko na makapag-aral sa college ang mga anak ko.

“Five years na ako dito. Maraming-maraming salamat Gov.”

Bhing Phoebe Porras

I am touched not only by her letter thanking me, but by her love for her children who she dreams of sending to college.

This is a loving mother and I really wish I am in the position to tell her now: “Don’t worry about your children, I will send them to college under the provincial government’s scholarship program.”

But God works in mysterious ways and mothers’ prayers always have a special place in the Lord’s ears.