Overseas Filipino Workers - Modern Day Heroes?
In 5 Filipino families, how many do you think have relatives abroad? Relatives included in the pool of our overseas Filipino workers, or OFWs? I bet more than half of that number would raise their hands.
Just some quick stats about the Overseas Filipino Worker:
- There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide. That makes up 11% of our total population.
- Filipinos are mostly deployed in the Middle East. This region contributes to a 68% share of deployment among all regions in the world.
- OFWs are mostly females. 59% as compared to 40.74% males.
- Majority of our OFWs are in the service-sector
- Filipinos were expected to send back $14.7 billion in remittances to the Philippines in 2007.
In one of my History classes in UP, we argued over the claim that our OFWs are the modern day heroes. As my professor once noted, they aren’t there because of a deliberate decision to make the Philippines more progressive. They made the decision to work abroad with their own families in mind. It is still a one-on-his-own survival tactic. So do you see any trace of heroism in there? I used to believe there is none.
I’ve been proven wrong. I realized I had quite a narrow view of things. When my cousin was finally admitted to a college study program that ensures employment after, I knew my relatives abroad were the culprit.
Our OFWs could have left us in the hope of providing a better tomorrow for their families. But in a larger scale, their contribution is way more than that.
Every time a Filipino youth is able to finish his or her education, every time the young generation gets a better chance to earn money whether via employment or entrepreneurship, the tiny ray of hope for the land becomes brighter.
Imagine how one graduate student who is able to find a source of living is a good minus in the number of ‘tambays’, ‘potential criminals (i.e. poverty-related crimes)’, etc. There is a better chance that the hopeful youth brings to heart the mission to help his/her siblings or anyone to finish school, as well. Remember that pass it forward mentality? How great the Philippines could be if we take it upon ourselves to help one another to move forward.
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2 Responses to “Overseas Filipino Workers - Modern Day Heroes?”
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Hello, I just found your blog and I must say you’ve got some really interesting posts.
However, I don’t agree that OFWs are modern day heroes. Sure, they might be giving their families a better life (and their children good education), but what concerns me is what they are doing abroad. Most (correct me if I’m wrong, please) of them are working as domestic helpers, taxi drivers, and similar jobs.
I’m not saying that those jobs should be frowned upon, but hey, people might look down on us Filipinos. Why? Because I believe that they would think that our “representatives” abroad don’t have the ability to go higher. Why settle for being a “yaya” abroad when you can be an accountant here? Even if the salary abroad is higher, IMO it’s still better to be known as an accountant rather than a yaya!
If they (OFWs) can’t have decenter jobs abroad, then IMO they shouldn’t go out of the country. For me salary isn’t the thing here. It’s the dignity & reputation. I think that some people abroad associate the word “Filipino” with “drivers”, “maids”, and other not-that-great jobs! I’m sure we Filipinos wouldn’t want to be looked down upon
IMO OFWs are selfish. They don’t care what embarrassment they’re causing the other Filipinos. They just care about themselves and their families. As long as their kids finish schooling, even if they get to be called “slaves” (or something to that effect, sorry can’t think of a better word), they just won’t care!
Oh yeah, almost forgot about this. “Imagine how one graduate student who is able to find a source of living is a good minus in the number of ‘tambays’ …” Sure, but IMO a good number of them would just be like their parents (OFWs) and be “slaves” to others. What would other people think of the Philippines? A country where really cheap labor comes from? A place where everyone “dreams” of working abroad to earn more? Oh geesh… gimme a break!
My two cents, don’t kill me please…
I won’t kill you.. hehe! This blog is open for everyone’s opinion.