Dabu, who has been working in Truro for almost four years, is from the Philippines where his wife Roberta and daughters Phryll, 16, and Chello, 13, remained.
But after recently receiving permanent resident status in Canada, Dabu is hoping to soon have them all here. It will mark the first chance the entire family actually lived together, because of the years he has worked away.
“They’re excited, especially my two daughters. They want to play in the snow. I told them it’s too cold,” he said, of the prospect of his family coming to Canada in mid-winter.
“They said, ‘I don’t care. We’d like to be with you papa.’”
Dabu does auto body repair work in the collision centre at the Pye Chevrolet, Buick, GMC dealership. Prior to that, however, he spent 17 years working in Saudi Arabia, where met his wife.
His eldest daughter was born there but within a couple of years, his wife wanted to return to the Philippines. To earn more income for his family, however, Dabu returned to Saudi Arabia. Since then, he has only been able to see his family when he returns home for short periods, about every two years.
Dabu, who has been working in Truro for almost four years, is from the Philippines where his wife Roberta and daughters Phryll, 16, and Chello, 13, remained.
But after recently receiving permanent resident status in Canada, Dabu is hoping to soon have them all here. It will mark the first chance the entire family actually lived together, because of the years he has worked away.
“They’re excited, especially my two daughters. They want to play in the snow. I told them it’s too cold,” he said, of the prospect of his family coming to Canada in mid-winter.
“They said, ‘I don’t care. We’d like to be with you papa.’”
Dabu does auto body repair work in the collision centre at the Pye Chevrolet, Buick, GMC dealership. Prior to that, however, he spent 17 years working in Saudi Arabia, where met his wife.
His eldest daughter was born there but within a couple of years, his wife wanted to return to the Philippines. To earn more income for his family, however, Dabu returned to Saudi Arabia. Since then, he has only been able to see his family when he returns home for short periods, about every two years.
Missing birthdays and other special moments has been tough, especially in the early years when he would come home and not be recognized by his young children.
“That was too hard for me,” he said. “It’s too hard because I didn’t see them when they grow up. And also my wife, I didn’t say hi or hug her when she has a problem,” he said. “Or, if she is sick, I can’t take care of her.”
Even in Saudi Arabia, Dabu was only earning the equivalent of US $400 per month, so there was little he could do to remedy the situation.
About four years ago, however, he connected with Pye’s through an Internet ad and arrangements were made to bring him here. In the time since, management at Pye’s and several elected officials at the federal and provincial levels worked through complications to ensure his permanent residency. Ultimately, everything fell into place.
Dabu has earned the respect of his co-workers and bosses alike, not only for his work ethic and talents as a body-repair man, but for his quiet, humble disposition.
“Marvin has really earned his position here,” company president Garry Pye said. “He’s a tremendous worker. It’s not like we’re doing Marvin a favour and not getting back any return productivity from what he does. He handles himself very well and he’s also a great guy… so we’re just pleased to be able to do it.”
Now, with permanent residency papers in hand, Dabu hopes to reunite with his family soon.
“I’m so happy. I don’t know how to describe to you because I’m so happy because my wife and kids (will) live here with me,” he said. “I’m so excited. I cannot wait until that time.”
