MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos are very loving people who would sacrifice their lives for others, said Edwin Limbago, husband of Juanita Agustin Limbago, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Hong Kong who got killed last June 10 for protecting the son of her employer from harm.
The 35-year-old widower who is also an OFW in Qatar said the death of his wife redeemed the Philippines from the embarassing incident when a disgruntled policeman killed eight Chinese tourists in August 23 last year in a hostage taking incident.
Edwin and his son, 8-year-old Marc, last Wednesday received livelihood and educational grants from the government in simple rites led by Vice President and Presidential Adviser on OFW concerns Jejomar C. Binay at the Coconut Palace in CCP Complex.
"Natutuwa siya dun sa inaalagaan niyang bata. Lagi niyang kinukwento kapag tumatawag siya..Siguro nakikita niya ang anak namin doon sa bata kaya itinuring niyang anak na din niya. Magkahawig pa nga sila noong anak namin," a teary-eyed Edwin said in an interview.
While crossing the street on their way to a school in Hong Kong, Juanita, 31, without regard for her own safety shielded her employer's son from harm from a bus bearing down on them.
The boy was saved from harm but Juanita died from internal injuries.
Edwin said he and his son are still shaken from the tragedy last June 10.
He was then in Qatar working for a logistics company when the accident happened.
He said he was not surprised with what his wife did since "she has been always a selfless person," prioritizing the welfare of others first before herself.
Juanita decided to work in Hong Kong in March this year to help her husband achieve their dream of a house of their own and a good education for Marc.
This despite being away from her beloved son, Edwin said.
Edwin had her last phone conversation with his wife, he described as a "very sweet and thoughtful person," last June 8, two days before the accident happened.
As for him, there were no premonitions of his wife's death, Edwin said except from what he learned later from their friends.
"Sabi daw niya (Juanita) bago siya pumunta sa Hong Kong noong March, sabay kaming uuwi at ipapasara namin yung buong kalye namin," Edwin shared.
Edwin said he plans to go home in the Philippines for good by the time his son goes to high school.
"Mahirap yung malayo sa anak ko.Sabi nila ngayon, hindi pa niya masyado nararamdaman yung pagkawala ng Mama niya kasi bata pa pero habang lumalaki kailangan nasa tabi niya ako," Edwin said.
source Manila Bulletin
