A Heartfelt Message from Mary Jane Veloso: The Right Way to Pursue Dreams
In a heartfelt press briefing on Thursday, former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso, who recently returned to freedom after being imprisoned for 16 long years in Indonesia, delivered a powerful message to her fellow Filipinos.
“Ang mensahe ko naman sa ating mga kababayan na gustong mag-abroad, wala pong masama na mangarap,” she began, her voice filled with emotion. *“Wala pong masama na gusto natin maiahon ang ating mga pamilya sa hirap.”* *(My message to our fellow Filipinos who wish to work abroad is that there is nothing wrong with dreaming. There is nothing wrong with wanting to lift our families out of poverty.)*
These heartfelt words resonate deeply in the hearts of many. Mary Jane acknowledges the hope and ambition that drive Filipinos to seek better opportunities abroad. But she also urges caution:
“Pero kung ako po, mabuti kung dumaan tayo sa legal na paraan,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of following the legal process. *“Huwag po natin hayaan na ma-enganyo po tayo dahil po merong free visa.”* *(But if you ask me, it is better if we go through the legal process. Let us not allow ourselves to be enticed by offers of free visas.)*
The allure of quick solutions can be tempting, she warned, and this easily leads to dangerous paths.
Mary Jane’s story is as poignant as it is harrowing. Just last week, she received a pardon from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which finally paved the way for her release from a nightmare. 16 years—that’s a portion of her life that she can never get back, and the scars of such an experience run deep.
“I want to continue my studies,” Mary Jane expressed, looking forward with hope. She also took a moment to extend her gratitude to God and the many people who stood by her side during those dark times. Her journey may have been fraught with challenges, but she sees a potential for healing and growth.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida also addressed the pressing issue of human trafficking, echoing an important message:
“Pero tandaan niyo po, pwede tayong umiwas dito,” he reminded everyone. *(But remember, we can avoid this.)* He passionately relayed that it’s crucial to learn from Mary Jane’s experience. The pain of lost time and opportunities weighs heavily on her. How does one start over after 16 years?
“Grabe ‘yung resources. Atsaka ‘yung 16 years hindi po ‘yan biro,” he continued, reflecting on the extensive resources wasted during that time. “Paano siya magsisimula muli? Paano ito mag sisimula?” *(The resources are enormous—and 16 years is no joke. How will she start over? How will this begin?)*
The message is clear: there’s nothing wrong with exploring opportunities abroad. But it’s vital to do so the right way, to safeguard your dreams and your future.
As a nation, we are urged to learn from these lessons and take the proper steps when pursuing our aspirations. The road may be tricky, but with awareness and caution, it’s a journey that can lead to a brighter tomorrow.
Conclusion
Mary Jane Veloso’s story is a beacon of hope, resilience, and a reminder for us all. It’s about dreaming big but also about being smart and safe in chasing those dreams. Let’s heed her advice and pursue our ambitions through the right channels, ensuring our paths are illuminated with the truth and legality.
