By Anthony A. Araos
It can’t be denied that the leaders of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) organizations in Ifugao are behind the success of holding annual “Migrants Day” program celebrations in the province and in the process helped change the perception about them.
And now, following up on the success of the recent Banaue Migrants Day program is the program in the capital town of Lagawe on June 3. It is an upgraded type of their acknowledgement of the role of OFWs and on paper, has lots of bits and pieces that make it seemingly surprising. Can it really surpass the one in Banaue or is simply just hype? As this had gone on for a long time by then (and ever counting).
Ranging from a parade (with prizes for participants) to group presentations to a message of a guest speaker, the Lagawe Migrants Day program is expected to accentuate the moods and aspirations of attendees who are coming from several villages.
Dubbed the “major event of NGOs,” this initiative is a project of 12 organizations. The theme will focus in the journey of OFWs, captured in the phrase: “Honoring the contributions of migrants and recognizing their rights.”
Key leaders laid the foundation of the year’s program hailing from Burnay, Boliwong, Caba, Cudog,Luta, Poblacion North and Poblacion South, Poblacion West and Tungngod, among others.
Fortunately, for concerned folks here organizers are more eager to help them achieve their life goals.
With this value, to not fail in attaining the goal of financial security thus, enjoy a comfortable and decent life.
Quite an improvement, the guest speaker is reportedly not a government official.
Developments tell many are that there is still much work to be done for the improvement of lives of OFWs here and abroad.
Government data shows that in the last ten years about two million Filipinos leave each year to work abroad, primarily in the Middle East and Asia. A vast number of them worked as domestic helpers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Others got employed in South Korea as factory workers. Remittances of OFWs practically kept the Philippine economy afloat. Social costs however are unthinkable.
This means a lot of in-depth analysis on contentious issues at hand on this matter.
For one, there is the argument that there is no need to bring the labor force abroad, it is better to create jobs in the country.
These organizations are increasing their usage of lending ventures to support their operations. The emergence of those schemes, as a lucrative source of funds, for these entities is already common in many places in the country.
These folks in depressed communities (such as those in mountain barangays) are feeling the rise in the cost of living, especially food. Many are struggling everyday just to make ends meet. The emotional atmosphere of these folks experiencing economic deprivation continues to be in evidence amid rising public concerns on corruption and misuse of government funds.
This pain is somehow lessened by the good deeds of few well-meaning individuals such as Darise Taguiam (who assisted Angie Guinid in this endeavor). That fact alone is not surprising. Throughout her storied career, Taguiam remained helpful to OFWs.
Have a good sense, then, of the plight of the OFWs. The reintegration preparedness program is worth revisiting. To ignore the needs of OFWs for some flimsy reason is a mistake that can be proven costly. Taking care of their needs is always meant to associate not just on Migrants Day.**
