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Nanay Fedelina: 65 Years Trapped in Modern Slavery

Manna Dellota

In the span of 65 years, Nanay Fedelina, a resilient Filipina domestic worker, lived through unimaginable hardship. Her story, one that spans continents and decades, sheds light on the pervasive issue of modern slavery—a term that may seem archaic but continues to exist in insidious ways today. Nanay Fedelina’s experience is not just a testament to her strength, but also a call to action for justice, freedom, and the dignity of all workers.

Nanay Fedelina Lugasan, born in 1936 in a rural area of the southern Philippines, lived a life of service. She became one of the many victims of modern slavery. Her experience sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by domestic workers—particularly Filipinas—who are often underpaid, overworked, and in cases like hers, enslaved.

In 2018, at the age of 82, Nanay Fedelina was finally freed from the grips of her employer, having spent 65 years as a domestic worker without pay or freedom. Her journey from captivity to liberation highlights a painful chapter of modern slavery in the United States, where many migrant domestic workers suffer silently.

This post aims to tell her story, honor her memory, and raise awareness of the thousands of other domestic workers trapped in similar situations today.

The Journey from the Philippines to the U.S.

Like many Filipinas, Nanay Fedelina sought employment in Manila as a domestic worker to support her family. In her teenage years, she began working for a Filipino family who soon moved to the United States, bringing her along with them. What was supposed to be a job opportunity became a life sentence.

Her responsibilities grew as the years went by. She woke up before dawn to prepare meals and clean the house, only resting after everyone else had gone to bed. She took care of children, did the laundry, went shopping, and managed the household, but she was never paid a cent for her hard work. In fact, her employers took her passport, rendering her undocumented and vulnerable, a common tactic used by traffickers and abusive employers to keep domestic workers trapped.

Living Conditions: Isolation and Abuse

Nanay Fedelina was subjected to what we now understand as modern slavery. She was not allowed to eat meals with the family she served and was forced to sleep on the floor.

She endured emotional and physical abuse, trapped not only by her employers’ threats but also by the deep sense of loyalty that many domestic workers like her feel toward the families they serve. Despite her suffering, Fedelina remained fearful of leaving because she believed she had nowhere else to go.

The Rescue: 65 Years Later

In 2018, Cox (her captor) was hospitalized and Nanay Fedelina stayed by her bedside - barely eating for several days. Thanks to a nurse who reported Fedelina’s deteriorating health, law enforcement intervened and freed her after 65 years. The FBI contacted the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), an organization that advocates for domestic workers' rights. At 82 years old, she walked out of the only life she had known for 65 years and into freedom.

A New Beginning

Once freed, Nanay Fedelina began to enjoy a life she had long been denied. She marveled at the small pleasures that many take for granted—like her first birthday party.

One of the most beautiful moments in her newfound freedom was reuniting with her older sister, whom she hadn’t seen in 65 years. They shared moments of happiness and healing together, filling in the decades that had been stolen from them.

Speaking Out Against Human Trafficking

Nanay Fedelina also became an advocate for others like her. Despite her advanced age and limited time, she used her voice to speak out against human trafficking and the exploitation of domestic workers. Her story resonated with many, highlighting the grim reality that domestic workers face, even in countries like the United States.

She became a symbol of hope and resilience within the Filipino community, particularly for migrant workers who continue to fight for fair treatment and respect. Through the Pilipino Workers Center, she inspired other victims of labor trafficking to come forward and share their stories, hoping that her voice could help bring about change.

The Fight Against Time

Nanay Fedelina’s liberation came late in her life, and tragically, she had only just begun to experience the freedom she deserved when COVID-19 struck. As the pandemic ravaged communities worldwide, Nanay Fedelina’s fragile health was at risk. In 2020, just two years after gaining her freedom, Nanay Fedelina passed away from complications related to COVID-19.

Nanay Fedelina’s story is one that cannot be forgotten. Her life and legacy highlight the ongoing struggle of migrant domestic workers, many of whom are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Modern slavery may seem like a distant problem, but it continues to happen in plain sight, in homes, in communities, and even in countries that pride themselves on freedom.

Let her story be a reminder to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to work toward a world where no one has to endure what she went through.

For resources and support, follow @pwsc (Pilipino Workers Center), which continues to fight for the rights of domestic workers and victims of human trafficking.

Sources:
https://essential-immigrants.com/fedelina-lugasan/
https://asianjournal.com/usa/southerncalifornia/nanay-fedelina-human-trafficking-survivor-kept-by-filipino-family-for-4-generations-in-southern-california-dies-at-83/
https://www.dwherstories.com/timeline/fedelina-lugasan

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