The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Mary Ann De Vera, the overseas Filipino worker, who died a hero’s death in Israel.
Mary Ann, 32, a resident of Basista, Pangasinan, was killed on February 28, 2026, during a missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reports state that she died while selflessly protecting her 90-year-old patient as they attempted to evacuate to the nearest bomb shelter.
Governor Guico personally visited Mary Ann’s family on March 4, 2026, to provide financial aid and offer other support needed. He lauded Mary Ann’s extraordinary bravery.
“Your departure, your flight to another country and leaving your loved ones behind is already heroic. But what you did not leave your elderly loved one behind is remarkable,” said Governor Guico.
The provincial government recognizes Mary Ann's sacrifice as it embodies the compassion, dedication, and selflessness of the entire global OFW community.
To ensure her family's welfare, the provincial government is also closely coordinating with various agencies, including the Pangasinan Provincial Employment Services Office, the Department of Migrant Workers Region 1, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Office Region 1, and the Local Government Unit of Basista.
Aside from the immediate financial assistance and coordination, Governor Guico has committed to providing Mary Ann's husband, Bernie, with employment opportunities if he chooses to stay in the Philippines permanently.
Meanwhile, Department of Migrant Workers Region 1 Regional Director Christian Rey Sison assured the family that preparations for Mary Ann's repatriation are in full swing, while the airspace remains closed.
In a phone call with the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, Danna Kursh, the ambassador affirmed that they are also closely coordinating with the Israeli authorities and the Philippine government for further assistance.
Governor Guico urged other Pangasinenses and Filipinos remaining in Israel to stay safe and vigilant. “Let us pray and whatever instructions the Israeli government gives us, we will follow them because they know their protocols,” he said.
(Eira Gorospe, photo by JP De Vera | PIMRO)

The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Mary Ann De Vera, the overseas Filipino worker, who died a hero’s death in Israel.
Mary Ann, 32, a resident of Basista, Pangasinan, was killed on February 28, 2026, during a missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reports state that she died while selflessly protecting her 90-year-old patient as they attempted to evacuate to the nearest bomb shelter.
Governor Guico personally visited Mary Ann’s family on March 4, 2026, to provide financial aid and offer other support needed. He lauded Mary Ann’s extraordinary bravery.
“Iyong pag-alis mo, pakikipagsalaparan sa ibang bansa at iwanan sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay ay isang kabayanihan na po iyon. Pero iyong ginawa niya na hindi iniwan ang kanyang inaalagan na elderly person ay kahanga-hanga po,” said Governor Guico.
The provincial government recognizes Mary Ann’s sacrifice as it embodies the compassion, dedication, and selflessness of the whole global OFW community.
To ensure her family’s welfare, the provincial government is also closely coordinating with various agencies, including the Pangasinan Provincial Employment Services Office, the Department of Migrant Workers Region 1, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Office Region 1, and the Local Government Unit of Basista.
Aside from the immediate financial assistance and coordination, Governor Guico has committed to providing Mary Ann’s husband, Bernie, with employment opportunities if he chooses to stay in the Philippines permanently.
Meanwhile, Department of Migrant Workers Region 1 Regional Director Christian Rey Sison assured the family that preparations for Mary Ann’s repatriation are in full swing, while the airspace remains closed.
In a phone call with the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, Danna Kursh, the ambassador affirmed that they are also closely coordinating with the Israeli authorities and the Philippine government for further assistance.
Governor Guico urged other Pangasinenses and Filipinos remaining in Israel to stay safe and vigilant. “Magdasal po tayo at kung ano man po ang instructions ng Israeli government ay sumunod po tayo kasi alam nila ang mga protocols po nila,” he said.
(Eira Gorospe, photo by JP De Vera | PIMRO)