After 43 years of dedicated service in Lebanon, 73-year-old Zenaida Caritativo Macanyanan has finally returned home to the Philippines — a moment that drew admiration and respect from the entire overseas Filipino community.
Macanyanan, who worked as a domestic helper since 1982, was personally welcomed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on November 1. She arrived alongside fellow OFW Tessie Caritativo Mosquito, who had been employed by the same Lebanese family.
Secretary Cacdac extended the warm greetings and commendations of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., recognizing Macanyanan’s decades-long dedication and remarkable service abroad.
Earlier this year, Macanyanan was honored by the Migrant Workers Office in Lebanon as the Oldest OFW Awardee during the 30th Anniversary of Migrant Workers Day celebration led by Labor Attaché Adam A. Musa.
Her story is one of extraordinary perseverance and loyalty. Having arrived in Lebanon on December 8, 1982, she has served the same Lebanese household through times of great turmoil — including the Lebanese Civil War, the 2006 Israeli invasion, and multiple regional conflicts involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
Despite being widowed, Macanyanan succeeded in raising her two children, both now working overseas. Her daughter is a registered midwife in Israel, while her son serves as a gardener for the same Lebanese employer.
Secretary Cacdac lauded her as an inspiring example of resilience, loyalty, and excellence — qualities that reflect the true spirit of the Filipino migrant worker.
“Her dedication and passion in service are among the many stories that Filipinos can be proud of,” Cacdac said.
To support their reintegration, both Macanyanan and Mosquito received ₱50,000 each in financial assistance from the AKSYON Fund.
Their homecoming stands as a celebration of the unwavering spirit of Filipino workers worldwide — a testament that years of sacrifice and commitment do not go unnoticed.
