For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), building a future beyond sending money home is defined by the 3Ss: Sacrifice, Success, and Security. Success is no longer measured solely by remittances but by what those years of sacrifice make possible—college education for children, a family home, a business, or a secure retirement. OFWs now look beyond day-to-day needs and focus on long-term financial security.
From Sacrifice to Success: Stories of Two OFWs
Retired seafarer Robert Ventura Cordovez and former Dubai-based worker Suzette Maglinte, both valued clients of BDO Unibank, Inc., shared their experiences during a recent gathering of BDO clients in Cebu. They highlighted how OFWs reflect on the goals they achieved after years of working overseas.
Cordovez retired in December 2025 after 35 years at sea as a marine engineer. His priority was giving his children the best opportunities. “Education was always the priority,” he said. “Everything we worked for was for our children’s future.” Today, all his children have graduated and become professionals. The family has acquired a home, land, vehicles, and recently started a business. “Na-achieve ko na ang mga pangarap ko,” he said. “Nakapagtapos ang mga anak ko, may bahay kami, may mga naipundar kaming sasakyan, at may negosyo na rin.”
Building a Secure Future
Maglinte shared that she and her husband initially worked overseas to help their parents and siblings before focusing on building a future for their own family. “When we felt that we had already helped our families, we decided it was time to build our own,” she said. Over the years, the couple secured and fully paid for a home and a vehicle. With savings set aside for their children's education, they are now focused on strengthening their retirement fund and pursuing future business opportunities. “Lalo naming na-appreciate ang BDO dahil nakapag-avail kami ng bahay at sasakyan,” she said.
Financial Priorities Evolve Over Time
For many OFWs, stories like those of Cordovez and Maglinte reflect how financial priorities evolve. What often begins as a desire to support loved ones grows into a broader goal: creating long-term financial security for the next generation. As more Filipino families look beyond immediate needs and plan for the future, their experiences underscore the 3Ss: sacrifice and success abroad are measured by the opportunities created and financial security for the people they love most.
BDO Supports OFWs in Building Sustainable Income
As many OFWs prepare for life at home after overseas work, BDO finds ways to help them explore opportunities to save, invest, and build sustainable sources of income. “We want to help OFWs make the most of every remittance—not only to support their families today, but also to build lasting opportunities for the future,” said BDO senior vice president and remittance head Genie Gloria.
