First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos shared emotional moments from her working visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after meeting Filipino mothers and distressed women staying in shelters.

In a series of Instagram posts, the First Lady said she was deeply touched by the resilience and sacrifices of the women she met at Bahay Kalinga, a government-run shelter for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and at a female shelter in Riyadh.

She emphasized that Filipinos working overseas, especially those in difficult situations, must feel the care and support of their home country.

“Another gentle reminder that no matter how far they are, our kababayans should never feel forgotten,” she said.

According to the First Lady, she got teary-eyed after spending time with the courageous mothers and their beautiful children at Bahay Kalinga.

“Their stories of sacrifice and unconditional love touched my heart deeply. They are living reminders that behind every OFW is a family holding on to hope and fighting for a better life,” she said.

“When life gives less, let us give more—especially compassion,” she added.

The First Lady lauded the courage of women staying at a female shelter in Riyadh, many of whom endured hardships while working abroad.

“These brave women at the female shelter in Riyadh have endured pain that most of us will never know—yet they still smiled, looked after one another and held on to hope,” Marcos said.

She described a moving scene when the women celebrated after learning they would be returning home soon.

“The most beautiful moment? When they clapped and cried tears of joy upon learning they were finally going home,” she said.

The First Lady is set to return to Manila on July 21, making her unable to join President Marcos’ trip to Washington, D.C.