Rodel grew up in Pampanga, surrounded by relatives who worked in construction. From an early age, he learned to mix cement, carry hollow blocks, and assist carpenters in small neighborhood projects. After finishing vocational training in civil works, he became a foreman in the Philippines. But when a recruitment agency offered him a chance to work as a Construction Site Supervisor in Saudi Arabia, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
Life abroad was not easy. The desert heat was unforgiving, reaching temperatures that made the ground feel like fire. His worksite was massive towers rising out of the sand, cranes moving constantly, and hundreds of laborers from different countries all working together. As a site supervisor, Rodel was responsible for coordinating schedules, checking materials, ensuring safety, and guiding his crew.
The first months were overwhelming. Language barriers often caused confusion, especially with workers who only spoke Arabic or Hindi. At times, even safety instructions were misunderstood. Rodel quickly realized that being a supervisor wasn’t just about giving orders it was about communication. He began carrying a notebook filled with translated safety terms and simple drawings to explain tasks more clearly. His efforts gained the respect of his team, and accidents became less frequent.
Every day, he arrived at the site before sunrise, walking through scaffolding and checking progress. He inspected the welders, observed the steel fixers, and made sure the concrete pouring was done properly. If something wasn’t aligned with the blueprint, he had to decide whether to redo the work or adjust the plan. The responsibility weighed heavily on him because even the smallest mistake could delay the project or compromise safety.
Despite the pressure, Rodel took pride in his role. Watching a building slowly rise from its foundations gave him a sense of fulfillment. He often thought about how many people would one day use the structure a family living in an apartment, a company opening an office, or children attending a school. I’m not just building walls, he reminded himself. I’m helping create places where lives will happen.
But outside work, loneliness struck hard. After long hours, he would return to his small room in the workers camp, eat dinner alone, and video call his wife and children back home. Sometimes the calls were short because of poor internet, but hearing their voices gave him strength. His youngest daughter once said, Papa, when I see big buildings, I imagine you built them. That single sentence erased his exhaustion.
Years passed, and Rodel managed to send his children to good schools. He built a small concrete house for his family in the Philippines, using his own supervision skills to make sure it was strong and well-made. Each time he returned for vacation, neighbors sought his advice on repairs or construction projects.
Looking back, Rodel realized his journey as a construction site supervisor was not just about earning money it was about discipline, leadership, and sacrifice. He left footprints in the desert of Saudi Arabia, but the most important structures e built were not the towers or roads. They were the dreams and futures of his family back home.
