Today, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are being called the modern-day heroes of the Philippines because of their significant contributions to the nation. The remittances that they send back home through formal channels have been strengthening the economy and providing sustainable livelihood to their families. Exhibiting the trait of perseverance and hardwork has also made OFWs the most sought-after community worldwide. Still, if you can’t take our word for it, then allow the reasons below to change your mind.
They Endure Not Being with Their Families
Filipinos are willing to go through hell and high water just to provide for their families. But what pains them the most is the time and distance away from their loved ones. Disconnecting from their families is the biggest sacrifice OFWs make. Not only do they have to endure homesickness, but they’ll also have to miss out on a lot of their loved ones events (Christmas celebrations, funerals, etc.).
They Constantly Deal With Homesickness
Homesickness and loneliness are also struggles among OFWs. Even with high pay and good working conditions, working abroad can take its emotional toll on our kababayans. This is especially the case for first-timers and young OFWs, who venture out of the country without knowing how painful it is to live away from loved ones in a foreign country.
They Brave Poor Working Conditions
Global Pinoys are some of the toughest people you’ll ever meet. To financially make ends meet for their loved ones, they are willing to brave harsh working conditions, long hours of labor, and even low wages.
They Provide Strong Remittance Inflows
Aside from securing the basic needs of their own families, remittances sent by OFWs contribute a lot to boost the Philippines’ economy. For one thing, it helps keep the country afloat whenever there’s a global financial crisis due to its liquidity. Remittances also play a significant role in alleviating poverty in the archipelago, as well as creating stable cash flow and circulation for its various infrastructures.
They Face Uncertainty Abroad
Lastly, OFWs work hard abroad without knowing what lies ahead and what risk awaits them. Even today, it’s not uncommon to hear news of our kababayans being abused and molested by harsh foreign land-based or sea-based employers. There are even cases where OFWs return to the country and their loved ones in body bags (due to harsh working conditions and acts of terrorism).
Honor Our Kababayans
As you can see, OFWs deserve every ounce of our respect for the sacrifices they’ve made and the hardships they’ve endured. So better salute them for the heroes and martyrs they truly are.
“These OFWs are our modern-day heroes who serve well their foreign employers as office staff, laborers, domestic helpers, care-givers, teachers, nurses, and doctors for the betterment of the lives of their families whom they chose to leave behind,” Truly, this is the most opportune time to let each of us know that one does not need to fight and win a war to become a hero…each one of us is a hero as we toil hard, with all honesty and, integrity for the betterment of lives, for the welfare of our country and our loved ones.