Kathryn Bernardo has been longing to return to her hometown in Nueva Ecjia, but is unable to do so due to her workload and the travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nitong past few months nung start ng lockdown, hindi na talaga ako nakakauwi kahit gustong-gusto kong umuwi at miss na miss ko na yung Cabanatuan at saka yung house namin. Medyo nakakalungkot lang pero blessed pa rin po dahil maraming work na dumadating,” shared Kathryn.
Aside from being homesick, the Kapamilya star also opened up on her worries for her kababayans who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
“Marami talagang nawalan ng work nitong pandemic. It breaks my heart to see people losing jobs and unable to provide for their families,” said Kathryn.
But with the soon-to-rise airport in Nueva Ecija’s neighboring province Bulacan coming into view, the 24-year-old actress expressed hope for an improved situation for her kababayans whose livelihoods have been greatly affected by the current health crisis.
Kathryn believes that the establishment of San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) proposed New Manila International Airport will help provide job and economic opportunities, including to people from her home province Nueva Ecija.
“If possible nga na magawa na yan agad so we can already attract businesses and give people jobs. A lot of people really need help right now. In our personal capacity, what we can do is to help the people around us as much as we can. But for the long-term, jobs po talaga ang kailangan,” she said.
SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang had said that the P734-billion airport project, which is set to begin its construction this month, is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs over the next couple of years.
Moreover, Kathryn is looking forward to the day she would finally be able to go back to her hometown if her workload permits, once the pandemic is over.
“Hopefully, pag maagang matapos yung Bulakan airport at may time at pwede nang magbakasyon, makakasakay rin ako dyan. Just praying and hoping na matapos na po itong crisis para we can live our lives normally like we are used to,” she said.
Kathryn, who believes that health is an asset during these times, reminded everyone to practice and follow COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.
“We know it’s for the welfare of everyone so we have to very conscious and compliant with health regulations like washing of hands, wearing masks and social distancing,” she said.
“I encourage everyone po to please be mindful of the safety of others around you and always practice safety measures sa panahon na ito. Huwag po tayo magpabaya. Kakayanin po natin ito, just keep praying and helping our families and friends,” she advised.
Kathryn is soon returning onscreen with love team partner and real-life boyfriend Daniel Padilla in Star Cinema’s first-ever digital movie series The House Arrest of Us.
