Marissa Del Mar writes her own story
From her glamorous life as an actress, Marissa Del Mar found her purpose in helping and raising her advocacy for overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) who are not getting the help they need.
During a media conference held at the Kamuning Bakery on March 6, Marissa shared what made her decide to push her advocacy on helping her kababayans.
"I started my love for the OFWS when I was playing a leading lady in an international film, so nakita ko while passing by, we're having lunch. So sabi ko bakit malungkot yung Pinoy natin, so kinausap ko sila. Nung sinabi nila sa akin yung sitwasyon, ay talagang mamintig yung tenga ko. Kaya I talked to the producer that time sabi ko sa kanila, if you don't treat them well,
I'm not shooting," Marissa said.
(I started my love for the OFWS while playing a leading lady in an international film. We went out to lunch and saw some Filipinos. I asked why the OFWS looked sad. So I talked to them, and they told me their story. I got mad. After that, I spoke to the producer and said if you don't treat them well, I'm not shooting.)
With her unwavering support and love for all OFWS, Marissa created a public affairs show entitled "Up Close and Personal with Marissa del Mar," which aired on IBC from 2002 until 2011.
She also hosted "Buhay OFW," a weekly public service program for OFWS based in countries outside the Philippines. The show aired on TV5 from 2011 until 2019.
Since then, Marissa has continued her work on ensuring that OFWS get the help they need, which has led her to enter politics.
According to her, entering politics was not her plan, but she was convinced by the OFWS who saw her work on what she loves, which is helping.
Making her way through Congress with her progressive OFW party-list, Marissa shared that one of her plans is to allow OFWS to vote online.
"Tinututukan ko ngayon is yung Internet voting for May 2025, kaya ko ito ginawa kasi nahihirapan yung household worker natin, pumunta sa embahada, malayo pa sa kanila. So, imbis na bumoto, hindi na sila bumoboto, 1.8 million ang registered OFWS pero 600,000 lang ako nakaboto noong nakaraang election," Marissa said.
(I'm focusing on the Internet Voting for May 2025. I did it because our household workers need help going to
the embassy; it needs to be farther. So, instead of voting, they don't vote anymore. There are 1.8 million registered OFWS, but only 600,000 voted during the last elections.)
Being a first-timer in a maledominated field, Marissa kept her head high as she presented herself as an empowered woman to serve her kababayans.
"Bilang parte po ng 10 female legislators sa kongreso, ako po ay masaya dahil nagbagahi po ang ako ng privilege speech ng pagpupunyagi para sa ating mga OFW women at ang kanilang pong hamon na talagang pinaglalaban nila. And I'm so happy kasi mabuhay po talaga ang ating mga kababaihan," Marissa said.
(As one of the 10 female legislators in Congress, I am happy because I shared a privileged speech of effort for our OFW women and the challenge that they are fighting for. And I'm so happy because our woman really can do it all.)