From earning Dh1,500 to Dh4,500 monthly, former domestic helper thanks Filipino Institute

A few months ago, UAE-based Annalyn Batallones Aguirre was working as a domestic helper, serving a family with a salary of AED1,500 or around P19,000 only. Today, for four months, Aguirre is now earning AED4,500 or P60,000 per month as a caregiver and a private nurse. 

The 40-year-old said she is grateful to the Filipino Institute for giving her a chance to change her career and earn more. 

“Malaking tulong po ang Filipino Institute sa paghahanap ko ng bagong work,” she said noting that during the interview with her new employer, she had presented the international diploma from the Filipino Institute which was also attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). 

Before leaving the Philippines, she was already an NC2 holder with more than eight years of experience in caregiving. 

“Ang offer lang sakin dati is AED4,000, nagulat ako noong video call interview, AED4,500 in-offer, sobrang happy ako. Malaking tulong po ito para maka-ipon ako,” she added. 

She is also grateful for one of her mentors, Ma’am Efraime Keycelyn Dizon, for assisting her from day one until she was hired as a private nurse. 

“Marami po akong natutunan, magagaling mga trainers po sa Filipino Institute. Sulit ang pag-aaral talaga every time na may klase, may exam, oral, written, demo, as in matututo ka talaga,” Aguirre said. 

She advised those individuals who have the intention to embark in the same field not to waste time. 

“Huwag po sayangin ang oras. Mag-aral po kayo ng Caregiver or Certified Nursing Assistant kasi napakadali po makahanap ng work sa panahon ngayon at mas malaki offer, buti na lang nakayanan ko nakapagtapos kahit sobrang hirap tiniis ko kasi gusto ko talaga mag level up ang work ko,” she further added.