Rico grew up in Nueva Ecija, a province known for rice fields and small poultry farms. His father raised chickens in their backyard, and Rico often helped feed them before going to school. Though the work seemed simple scattering feeds, refilling water, and cleaning cages it taught him responsibility and discipline. He never imagined those small chores would prepare him for his life as an overseas worker years later.
After graduating high school, Rico took on various jobs driver, helper, and even seasonal farm laborer but none provided enough income for his growing family. His wife sold food in the local market, but with two children in school, their earnings barely covered expenses. When a recruitment agency offered positions for poultry workers in Saudi Arabia, Rico applied despite the fear of leaving home. He believed the opportunity was his chance to provide a better life for his loved ones.
Arriving in Saudi, Rico was shocked at the scale of operations. Unlike the backyard poultry farms in his town, this farm had thousands of chickens inside climate controlled houses. Machines helped regulate temperature, distribute feeds, and even collect eggs. His daily tasks included checking the condition of the birds, cleaning facilities, operating feeding systems, and ensuring the poultry remained healthy.
The work was tiring and repetitive. He had to wake up before sunrise, wear protective clothing, and spend long hours inside noisy, dusty poultry houses. The smell of feed and manure clung to his clothes, and sometimes he felt exhausted from lifting heavy bags of feed or cleaning large sections of the farm. But despite the challenges, Rico worked diligently. He reminded himself that every egg collected, every chicken cared for, meant money for his children’s education and food on their table back home.
The hardest part was homesickness. Rico often thought of his children while working. During video calls, his eldest son once asked, Papa, do you miss our chickens here at home? he smiled through his tears and replied, Yes, anak, but I take care of bigger ones now because of them, I can take care of you. Those words gave him comfort, even if his heart ached from missing family milestones.
Over time, Rico became more skilled and knowledgeable. He learned to detect early signs of illness in chickens, manage proper feeding schedules, and even assist veterinarians in administering treatments. His supervisor noticed his hard work and reliability, often assigning him to train new workers. Slowly, he gained confidence and pride in his role.
Despite the harsh conditions, there were small victories that made him proud. When he saw trucks loaded with eggs leaving the farm, he thought of families who would eat meals because of his work. He realized he wasn’t just raising chickens he was part of a system that fed people.
After a few years, Rico’s sacrifices paid off. His children stayed in school, and his wife expanded their small market stall into a sari-sari store. He was also able to repair their old house, turning it into a sturdier home.
When Rico returned home for vacation, his children hugged him tightly, and his wife whispered, Your hard work gave us wings, too. In that moment, Rico realized that his journey as a poultry worker abroad was not just about tending chickens it was about nurturing the dreams of his family, one sacrifice at a time.
