HK OFW loses husband in fire

 

What's left of the Ledesma house in Cavite

Tragedy struck twice recently for Margie Ledesma, an overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong.

A fire that started in their home in General Trias, Cavite on Feb. 12, not only left her and her four children with only the clothes on their back, but also claimed the life of the 55-year-old father of the family, Nestor.

Margie said her husband had a stroke two years ago, so had difficulty moving around. “Nakakatayo naman at nakakapaligo, pero mabagal na kumilos.” (He could stand and bathe himself, but could only move slowly).

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Thus, when the fire struck and consumed their home, Nestor mercifully managed to keep himself from being burnt, but did not move fast enough to escape the burning house. He died of smoke inhalation.

It was also unfortunate that no one among their four children was at home with their father that time, said Margie. The four, aged 26, 24, 19 and 15, were all out working, studying or hanging out with friends on that fateful night that their father had no one to help him escape.

“Kakaiba yung araw na iyon, kasi madalas naman may naiiwan sa kanila sa bahay,” said Margie. (That was unusual because often, there would be someone among them in the house with their father).

Nestor was only 55 when he died

Because of the tragedy, the house that Margie helped build from working for the past 10 years in Hong Kong was reduced to ashes. Her children ended up staying the night at the barangay hall while grieving over the loss of their father.

As for Margie, she decided to wait awhile before going home to bury her husband. Their relatives in Capiz had sent word that they wanted to be there for the wake, and Margie also had to make sure she did not stay too long in the Philippines as she needed to keep her job now, more than ever.

Apart from grieving for her husband, Margie now has to face the prospect of taking care of substantial funeral expenses, on top of having to rebuild the family home they have lost.

Luckily, a number of her friends in Hong Kong, including broadcaster Jun Paragas, have stepped forward to help, and started a fundraising drive for her family.

Anyone who wishes to do likewise and help alleviate the suffering of Margie and her brood can send money through her Alipay account, 95318776. 

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