The phone call came suddenly.
And with it, a wave of grief that no family ever wants to face.
An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Dagupan City has died in Kuwait, leaving behind four grieving children who are now pleading for help to bring their mother home.
Dorothy Viloria, 41, was a native of Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City.
Like many Filipino parents who leave the country to work abroad, she carried a heavy responsibility — to provide a better life for her family.
Viloria had been working in Kuwait since 2014, traveling back and forth for employment. Her most recent trip abroad was in October last year, hoping once again to earn enough to support her children.
But what was meant to be another chapter of sacrifice ended in heartbreak.
Her son, Lawrence Brudo, said the last time he spoke with his mother was on the afternoon of March 1.
It was an ordinary conversation.
Nothing seemed wrong.
Then the next day, the devastating news arrived.
“Nakita raw po nila sa CR nakahandusay na po. Wala na siyang malay. Dinala sa ospital pero hindi na umabot ng buhay,” Brudo shared.
According to reports from her co-workers, Viloria was found unconscious inside a restroom. She was rushed to the hospital, but she did not survive.
The family learned about her death through the same co-workers who had been with her in Kuwait.
They also relayed what Viloria’s employer had told them.
Doctors reportedly determined that she suffered a heart attack.
“Ang sabi ng amo niya sa kanila, heart attack ang findings ng doktor. Nasabi sa amin ni Mama, may problema nga po talaga sa puso niya,” Brudo said.
For her children, the loss is even heavier.
They had already lost their father.
Now, they are facing life without their mother.
In the middle of their grief, the siblings are holding on to one final wish — to bring her home.
“Sobrang hirap po kasi. Sobrang bata pa ni Mama. Sana matulungan po kami sa pagpapauwi sa kaniya para makita pa namin yung katawan at mayakap pa namin siya,” Brudo said.
Right now, the family is seeking help to repatriate Viloria’s remains so they can finally say their goodbyes.
Government agencies have begun coordinating with them.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is now assisting the family in preparing the necessary documents for the repatriation of her remains.
Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 1 is also working with the family to determine what additional support and assistance can be provided.
The Dagupan City local government, through its OFW Desk, has also expressed readiness to help the grieving family during this difficult time.
But beyond paperwork and coordination, what the children truly long for is simple.
To bring their mother home.
To see her one last time.
And to hold her — even if only for a final goodbye.
