By Anthony A. Araos
Excitement about drawing smiles- and all sorts of heartwarming feelings from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on a countryside Migrant’s day program isn’t new, already. The true story, to start with, is as old as mankind: countless OFWs with compelling stories of pains and sorrow, many now want to believe.
To find out what was going on at the Lagawe Migrants Day program, I attended it for a few minutes. While organizers were deciding what to do- a board member’s presence (or not) was called, many began to drift down elsewhere due to the necessity to have lunch. But I stayed a bit more. I’d better think of some better things than the speakers’ long messages. The participants from 11 villages looked starved.
Although they were pleased with the views of Vice Mayor Gregorio Dangayo, many of them told each other that they heard such messages before, which turned out to be unbelievable.
This time it is the truth. Its past 12 noon and they’re hungry. As usual, serving lunch on time is unusual.
State officials also had a devil of a time explaining why assistance for OFWs is undeniably coming out too late. If there’s one, it’s rather small.
OFWs play an integral role in propelling economic growth and development, so they say. Of course, their huge remittances are keeping the economy afloat. Fact: OFWs sent $38.34 billion in remittances back to the country in 2024, according to the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas. We can feel our heart pumping and hands shaking if you cut these remittances. The economy collapses. Thus, they deserve better from their government. To my mind, utilization of funds for public programs can be directed to priorities. Putting up a livelihood training center for OFWs who opted to stay here permanently is a very good idea. Why not train them in bookkeeping or weaving? The untold benefit in providing them quality job is indisputable.
Well, for one, there were 2.16 million OFWs in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. They went abroad to earn more. During the May midterm polls, a number of Ifugao OFWs took election-related jobs. For short, these are contractual jobs. Now, they’re jobless.
These days most public officials are so quick in praising OFWs as “unsung heroes”, Trouble is, when it’s time for reality check, what’s really evolving and what’s not, confusion reigns.
What they need on the daily basis: food they buy, products they purchase and many other expenses for family requirements. Against the backdrop of rising cost of living, you can get people to think about the difference working here and abroad.
The concept behind recognizing the role of OFWs in society is indeed a very novel idea. The success of other provinces in making OFWs a driving force for growth is not through entertaining them with “dance” presentations and Php 1,000 cash prize. Devote more effort to uphold their welfare; for instance, government programs that generate job and livelihood opportunities for them. So now, when I think of this action, I remember what’s really important. OFWs are already suited for entrepreneurship since they already have capital to invest.
Skills training for returning OFWs would be a good starting point to boost local economies.
Still, sadly, many OFWs are experiencing homelessness problem as well. So why not give them housing grants under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino” (4PH) program.
All told, I want them to know- Help is on the way!
These are just a few inspiring examples of compassion, hope and ingenuity. OFWs just need to hear them.
Thus, I am once more expressing a relief now that Vice Mayor Dangayo and Ifugao’s leading OFW advocate Angie Guinid outlined their moves to help them and my advocacy to undercut the poverty rate has not wavered. As I still maintain a right attitude, to honor their sacrifices each day of the year and not just during the OFW Month. All clear: there is a need to strengthen engagement with OFWs and their families each day of the year.**
