TWENTY nine-year-old Presil dela Cruz, a domestic helper victimized by abusive employers in UAE, was rewarded a fresh start after she won, via raffle, a BDO Kabayan Savings Account with an initial deposit of P25,000.

The promo was still part of the "Pamaskong Salubong Para Sa OFW" of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), an annual program in which Banco de Oro is a major sponsor.

A native of Aklan, Dela Cruz went home last Jan. 15 with no money in her pocket and goodies for her daughter, whom she promised to bring bags of chocolates. She said her employers didn't give her salary and even deprived her of food.

With the help of her employment agency, she was able to leave her employers' place and return to the Philippines.

"Hindi po ako makapaniwala na ako'y nanalo. Salamat po at mabibili ko rin ng pasalubong ang anak ko," says Dela Cruz.

Apart from her, also a winner of BDO Kabayan Savings Account was 44-year-old Gemma Orozco, a ticketing officer in Kuwait. She will donate part of her winnings to their church in Dagupan, Pangasinan. Meanwhile, two other OFWs, namely Rey Antonio and Jonamel Onyot each won P5,000 worth of SM Gift certificates.

Shown in photo were (from left) BDO assistant vice president and head for marketing and product development-remittance domestic operations Ma. Concepcio Apostol; OWWA administrator Carmelita Dimzon; OFW winner Presil dela Cruz; and BDO NAIA assistant branch head Ronald Gonzales.