Efren had always been known in his small hometown in Nueva Ecija for his sense of responsibility. After his father passed away early, he became the eldest figure in their household, helping his mother raise his younger siblings. He took on odds jobs working in rice fields, driving a tricycle, even assisting at a local store. But when expenses for his siblings education grew heavier, Efren decided to take the leap so many Filipinos dream of and fear at the same time; working abroad.
Through an agency, Efren secured a position as a security guard in Dubai, assigned to a large commercial complex. The promise of a better salary was enough to make him endure the long processing period, the training, and the sadness of leaving his family behind.
His first day on the job was a mixture of pride and nerves. Dressed in his neatly pressed uniform, with his cap perfectly aligned, Efren stood tall at the entrance of the building. His duty seemed simple on paper; monitor CCTV cameras, conduct routine inspections, assist tenants, and ensure the safety of everyone inside. But he soon realized that being a security guard was not just about standing at doors it was about vigilance, discipline, and often, empathy.
One evening, while doing his rounds, Efren noticed a small child crying near the escalators. Instead of simply reporting it, he knelt down, spoke gently to the boy, and stayed with him until the parents arrived. The grateful family thanked him profusely, and Efren realized that his job was about protecting people in more ways than one.
The work, however, was not without struggles. The long hours often meant standing for more than 10 hours at a time, under both the scorching heat and the freezing air conditioning inside the mall. Some days were monotonous watching the same people come and go while other were tense, especially when handling disputes or shoplifters. Efren trained himself to stay calm in stressful moments, relying on patience and professionalism.
At night, after returning to his shared accommodation, Efren would call his mother. Her voice, along with updates about his siblings finishing school, gave him the strength to endure his homesickness. He missed the simple things meals of tinola with his family, the laughter of his younger siblings, the sound of roosters at dawn. Yet he knew every sacrifice had meaning.
Efren’s hard work did not go unnoticed. After two years, he was promoted to team leader of the security staff, responsible for supervising new recruits. He took pride in mentoring younger guards, teaching them not just about rules and regulations but also about respect and compassion for others.
When he finally went home for vacation, Efren saw the fruits of his sacrifices. HIs siblings were in college, their house had been repaired, and his mother’s smile carried relief rather than worry. His family told him, You’ve guarded more than buildings you’ve guarded our future.
Efren’s story is proof that an OFW’s worth is not measured only by their job title. Weather as a guard in a mall or a protector of a family’s dream, his dedication made him a true hero. His journey showed that being a security guard is not just about preventing harm it’s about standing firm so that others can live safely and dream freely.
