IN his visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis has generated positivity and raised hopes among the Church’s followers. Throughout his sojourn, the high prelate captured wide audiences and sympathies for his cause—a mark of a true Catholic leader.
During one of his speeches, Pope Francis said he admires the Filipinos’ indomitable spirit and strength in the face of suffering, loss, devastation and even natural disasters. “May the deepest spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression in your efforts to provide your fellow citizens with an integral human development,” he said.
His message of faith and hope was clear, and has resonated among millions of Filipino devotees not just in the Philippines, but across the world.
During a courtesy call at the Malacañang Palace on Jan. 16, Pope Francis also acknowledged the plight of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino diaspora. Speaking before an audience led by President Benigno Aquino III, he said he cannot fail to mention about the life and welfare of Filipinos abroad who are often “neglected and whose contributions to society are not fully appreciated.”
For his part, Manila Archbishop Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle said, “In the Philippines, many married couples separate not because they hate each other. They choose separation because of their love for their family. And they bear the pain of separation just to find jobs elsewhere.”
According to the Philippine government, there are 10.49 million OFWs as of 2012. This means one out of every 10 Filipinos works abroad. It is estimated that more that around 4,000 Filipinos leave the country to work abroad every day.
The Philippines has been internationally recognized for its diverse and talented human resources. The skills of Filipino workers continue to impress foreign employers, more countries have expressed interest in the quality of Filipino service. It is awe-inspiring that Filipino workers are in-demand and valued in foreign land. They are treasured by other countries for being hard working, dedicated and loyal. Other notable traits admired by foreign employers are their hospitality and honesty.
OFW remittance plays a large part in the Philippine economy’s recent positive showing. It is essential to the country’s goal to achieve economic development and stability. The annual outflow of Filipinos abroad also aids the government in maintaining a manageable gross domestic and gross national product (GDP and GNP), a visible major source of gross international reserves and the country’s external debt.
They are glorified as modern heroes, but back home, the reasons as to why they left remain a harsh reality.
OFWs sacrifice a lot by leaving their families at home, to chase the financial security they need. While the migration seems to break up the Filipino family, the opportunity that they will get seems worth all the trouble for them. Most migrant Filipino workers resort to working abroad due to lack of job opportunities in the local arena. Their endeavor of living and working in a foreign country, is a risk they have to take just to be able to provide for their families.
The RA. No. 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, provides that the State shall, at all times, uphold the dignity of its citizens whether in country or overseas, “continuously monitor international conventions, adopt/be signatory to and ratify those that guarantee protection to our migrant workers, and endeavor to enter into bilateral agreements with countries hosting overseas Filipino workers.”
It’s time to give back. These so-called heroes should be afforded with the benefits and recognitions they deserve. The protection and promotion of OFW’s economic rights should be given appropriate actions.
(AJPress)
