If Filipino taipans flock to China and Filipino professionals bloom in the United States (as I reported last Sunday), overseas Filipino workers serve the rest of the world. According to the Commission on Overseas Filipinos, 8.5 million kababayans are spread out in 194 countries. This means that about 10 percent of our total population and about one in every household live and work abroad.
OFW largesse and benefits. Land-based OFWs are concentrated in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Qatar, Singapore, Kuwait, Taiwan, Italy, Bahrain and Canada (in that order), while seafarers are deployed in vessels bearing the flags of Panama, Bahamas, Liberia, Marshall Island, Malta, Singapore, Italy, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Bermuda.
The owners of these vessels and the real employers of our seamen are not necessarily nationals of these countries, because merchant ships often carry what are called “flags of convenience” to accord them tax shields and anonymity of ownership. Even Filipino entrepreneurs fly these flags of convenience for their international maritime operations.
According to statistics of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, OFWs, both land- and sea-based, remitted more than $18.7 billion in 2010, thereby keeping the Philippine economy afloat, more than anyone else, even during the worst global financial storms. These remittances generate local spending. OFWs fund their relatives’ appetite for homes, cars, motorcycles, appliances and foodstuff, and send their children to school. They patronize shopping malls, feast in fast-food shops, buy condos and town houses, and operate tricycles and pedicabs.
Small wonder, OFWs have been hailed as “Bagong Bayani” (New Heroes). The big wonder is they have almost always been shabbily treated. Since the overseas employment program began in the ’70s, the Philippines has had four decades of experience in dealing with migrant workers. Yet up to now, its officialdom is still struggling to solve the problems besetting our heroes.
Recurrent ordeals. True, our lawmakers enacted two landmark pieces of legislation, Republic Act 8042 and 10022, to improve the lot of OFWs. But, as in many other instances of good laws with bad results, the OFWs continue to suffer indignities and pain.
The recurrent ordeals and heart-wrenching woes of our OFWs never really leave the headlines. Perhaps, I can understand the difficulty of anticipating wars and conflicts in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and other places in the Middle East (as well as the earthquake and tsunami that hit Northern Japan) and the dislocation, injury and sometimes death they inflict on OFWs there.
But I cannot fathom government’s inability, nay neglect, to look after the needs and desolation of overseas workers that arise from our very shores. The recent shoddy treatment of Stella O. Gonzales, former staff member of the Inquirer and now an editor of the Financial Times of London, demonstrates the pits of government inefficiency and total lack of care.
I will no longer recount her ordeals of being made to fill up useless forms, and her being shuttled from one desk to another to obtain an “exit permit” that immigration officers at the airport did not even look at. And rightly so, for such exit permits are of doubtful constitutionality. My point is that there is no systematic and coordinated mechanism that is able to respond with dispatch before an issue becomes a crisis.
Permanent solutions needed. Worse it is with our foreign service, especially with our labor attachés. There appears to be no resource base – human and financial –with which government officials are able to network more effectively with their foreign government counterparts to ensure solutions on the basis of shared responsibilities.
Labor attachés have been deployed in various OFW-rich countries. But are these labor attachés selected on the basis of qualification? Do they have adequate orientation and training to prepare them for the rigors of OFW welfare assistance and repatriation that as a rule is a 24/7 engagement on top of their other tasks in negotiations and bilateral liaison with foreign governments?
It seems to me that the private sector, particularly Migrante International, is even more prepared in promptly bringing out issues ahead of government. It is the first to know and/or experience the problems besetting OFWs in their places of employment. To my knowledge, it was the first to bring out publicly the so-called “Saudization” or “Nitaqat” of work opportunities in Saudi Arabia, which restricts the employment of foreign workers.
To keep tab of our OFWs, Migrante maintains a website with an “online complaint form” where OFWs can air their grievances to a sympathetic audience. It is able to respond immediately to plaints without the rigors of diplomatic mishmash and red tape that beset officialdom. That said, certainly our government officials can take more proactive and creative solutions to tend immediately to OFW needs.
Three years ago, in early 2008, I wrote extensively on the laments of our OFWs and the solutions proposed by the OFWs themselves, which I outlined in my columns on Jan. 6, 13, 20 and Feb. 10, 2008. But to this day, their problems remain and their woes continue. Certainly, they deserve better treatment than just skin-deep acclamations of “Bagong Bayani” all over again. The Department of Labor and Employment must reinvent itself and implement permanent solutions to these recurrent problems.
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Comments are welcome at chiefjusticepanganiban@hotmail.com
I first met Earvin back in my university days as the fun-loving, energetic extrovert who turns every conversation into a full-blown production number. Back then, he was taking up BA Philippine Studies in UP majoring in Broadcast Communication and Creative Writing. Not surprisingly, Earvs was always on top of his class.
A few years back, I found out from Facebook (where else?) that Earvs is already based in Brunei where he is working as a copywriter in an advertising agency. I was surprised when I learned because he is actually one of the last persons I would least expect to go and work abroad. For this feature, I had a chat with Earvs to get to know a little bit more about his OFY experience and here’s how it went…Name: Earvin Charles B. Cabalquinto
Age: 28
Country of residence: Brunei Darussalam
What was your work before going abroad?
Before going abroad, I was working in a television network. First, I was in ABS-CBN as a segment producer and writer. Then I moved to ABC5, now TV5, as a writer and segment producer of Philippine Idol. After leaving the network frontyard, I did freelance jobs on writing and productions.
What pushed you / inspired you to work overseas?
I’ve never imagined that I will get a chance to work overseas. I just submitted my resume thru online and got a job. Basically, it’s the interest to experience an independent life is what pushed me to work overseas. Plus, I was hungry then for a new environment. I was just devastated when my Mom died in 2006.
Where are you working now?
I work in a small advertising and events company in Brunei Darussalam. The name is IM Graphics Design Studio. I work as an Advertising Copywriter. I also produce and host events. And I also do strategic marketing for a few clients.
Describe a typical day and how is it different from a day in the Philippines?
Working in Brunei is definitely stress-free. I don’t get squeezed in the MRT during mornings because I am provided with a company car here in Brunei. While everything is accessible, such as dining and shopping places, there is no traffic jam which may eat a lot of time. And believe it or not, I can reach the office in 15 minutes despite the travel time I had to take from our staff house.
However, my life could sometimes be routinary here. I work for 8 hours and go home. So, to add spice in my so called “OFY” adventure, I go out with my friends and meet a lot of people. I sing in the choir. I take active participations in my organizations here.
What are the perks of being abroad?
Apart from the salary and convenience, you get to expose yourself to a lot of life experiences. You get to appreciate your identity as a Filipino especially when you’re mixed with other races; you’ll realize how talented and versatile Filipinos are. You are able to live independently and be responsible with your decisions and actions. Nevertheless, personal travails and triumphs make you grow to be a stronger person.
What are the things you miss most in the Philippines?
I miss a lot of things in the Philippines. Apart from my family and friends, I miss the culture, the food, the fiesta, the beaches, and the events.
What do you like best about fellow Pinoys abroad?
Pinoys overseas are friendly and accommodating. They help you to overcome homesickness because they treat you like a member of a family. From simple chit chat to big time handaan, they are always present to brighten up your day. Plus, it’s so fun to hang around with Pinoys abroad; they feed you with Filipino cuisine and entertain you with funny and animated stories ranging from the gossips in the neighborhood up to as big as a national issue which is mostly focused on Philippine show business!
What do you like the least about fellow Pinoys abroad?
I’ve never had any bad experiences with Filipinos. However, what I don’t like about some Filipinos is the lazy work attitude and being reklamador.
In your opinion, what is the top misconception about OFYs today?
I guess the top misconception about Overseas Filipino Yuppies today is the lack of care to the Philippines. Meaning to say, some people think that once an OFW gets out of the Philippines, they set aside their identity as Filipinos and aim to never return. This does not always hold true.
How do you think OFYs are different from other OFWs?
OFYs are young, fun-loving and goal-oriented individuals. While some are married at a young age, most of OFYs are single. They may be carefree at times, their passion for discovery and exploration of new experiences outside the Philippines push them to stand out in their overseas sojourn. More than pampering their work experiences with caliber skills, they balance their lives with travels, acquaintances, shopping, and partying.
However, same as OFWs, OFYs also work hard to save up for a bright future and help their families who are left in the Philippines.
What's next for you? Do you plan to stay working abroad or do you plan to go home in the near future?
I am now on my last semester at UP Open University where I am taking up Master of Development Communication. Hopefully, after graduation in September, I will be able to move into another company; it’s either I work in a new company in the Sultanate or explore another country. For now, I’m taking things slowly. I want to save up more. Plus, I am banking on various investments to equip myself on the day that I’ll stay for good in the Philippines.
As a UP graduate, I’ve never really turned my back to the Philippines. As my way of reaching out to my community, apart from the remittances that boost Philippine economy, I actively produce and participate in projects that benefit the Filipinos here in Brunei and in the Philippines. As a member of UP Circle Brunei, we provide projects to address the welfare of our kababayans. In our own little ways, our collective efforts help those are in need.
Any other things you would like to share?
OFYs have changed the image of the Overseas Filipino Workers. OFYs are not only identified as young, ambitious and driven individuals. They are also a representation of the Philippines’ future. Their contributions to Philippine society creates an impact ranging from the economic arena up to the socio-cultural banquets of what is like for a Filipino to survive in a globalized era. Interestingly, OFYs are markers of hope and an epitome of a multifaceted personality. They are just a stand out in any field they choose.
However, despite the enjoyment overseas and the sometimes blinding truth of earning big-time, an OFY must not forget to save up for the future. And so, investing wisely is very important. Whether it’s about banking on a skill or putting up a saving on a range of properties, it is best to be prepared. Bear in mind, working and living overseas is temporary. Despite the many years of hard work in a foreign land, we will still all come back to where we come from, the Philippines
“Laugh. Love. Live.”
- Earvs
Do you want to be our featured OFY? Or do you know someone with an interesting story to share? Email us at ofyuppies@gmail.com!
1. Visita Iglesia
For an OFY who happens to live in Europe or South America, this will not be a hard thing to accomplish but for OFYs posted at the rest of the world (especially in the Middle East), visiting 7 Christian churches in one day is an impossible feat.
3. Prusisyon
