"After being here for a little over a year, Rennie was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, a rare form of cancer... Rennie's surgery and treatments were costly. Luckily, my health insurance at work has covered everything. This was one reason we say that we made a good decision to move to America. It could have been a different situation and financially stressful if this happened in the Philippines. It has been 12 years since he was diagnosed, and I thank God every day for His healing miracles." - Hazel Del Rosario, 20 years of service with the Human Resources Office of the U.S. Embassy Manila
"... I was considered the 'black sheep' in the family. I didn't even finish high school... My father used to beat me... He told me 'You're not a good son and don't have a bright future...' The success of my story began not when I arrived in America as an immigrant. It started when a nice American, Mr. Ellis, helped me get a job at the embassy. The SIV was a continuation of my success." - Valentino Correa, 20 years as a driver clerk with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service in Manila
"My father was also an SIV recipient... It's not only a privilege but also a chance that we can give our family to have better opportunities... Our two generations of SIV are great stories to tell my grandchildren. It is a unique story brought to us by this country we've served for a long time." - Alex Figueroa, motor vehicle dispatcher for 20 years at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Manila
"If you want to have a smooth transition from an established life in the Philippines to America, you need enough funds to support your lifestyle for at least a couple of years. If money is an issue, you must be resilient and practical... Lastly, two things you need to bring with you (super abundantly) when you decide to make this trans-pacific journey: your limitless sense of humor and your endless faith in God." - Deomides Blando, education liaison representative with 20 years of service at the U.S. Veterans Affairs Manila
"There are many great things living here. Healthcare is one good thing that we enjoy. Saving money is easy to do if you're good with financial management... In every endeavor, there's a corresponding struggle... Be ready to face them with strength and courage. This is the way to succeed... If there's no pain, there's no gain." - Rosendo Padua, 20 years of service as a visa assistant with the U.S. Embassy Manila's Consular Office