Teng Laguilam hands over donations made by Filipino residents to Jovita Bulseco.By Ronaldo Z. Concha Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Kindhearted Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) taking part in a basketball tournament here donated money to help an ailing Filipino domestic helper who is collecting money to finance an operation to remove a tumor in her spine. Audience members, players and organizers of the Filipino Basketball Tournament all donated money to help 37-year-old Jovita Bulseco pay for her operation. “I am very happy seeing my fellow OFWs donating money from their hearts and I am convinced that bayanihan spirit among Filipinos is still alive," said a teary-eyed Bulseco. Teng Laguialam, President of the Filipino Salesman and Merchandizers (FILSAMA) and Commissioner of the Filipino Basketball League said it is their duty as Filipinos to render assistance to any fellow countrymen in need. Acknowledging the amount donated was not very big, Laguialam said the compassion he saw from the kababayan after he informed them of Bulseco's situation, made him proud to be a Filipino. Bulseco said her problem began after she fell while cleaning a window in her employer's home. Two months later, when her condition worsened, she was finally taken to the hospital. She said she isn't ashamed to ask for help and will do anything for the sake of her children's future. Due to her condition, Bulseco has difficulty walking and relies on a walking stick. She learned of the tumor in her spine after an advocacy group in Jeddah brought her to the hospital to have her spine checked. Bulseco said she began asking for financial assistance from her compatriots because her employer is unlikely to shoulder her medical expenses or the costs of her operation. “I still have hope that my employer will help me. I hope I can survive this problem for the sake of my children," said Bulseco.
