ofw hero essay

Overseas Filipino Workers: The Modern-Day Heroes of the Philippines

Bayani is the Tagalog term for “hero.” In the Philippines, a bayani is someone who is courageous, humble, and selfless. They pursue causes that are greater than themselves, such as those impacting a community, a nation, or the environment. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is a term referring to Filipino migrant workers, individuals who have left their homes to work abroad and provide comfortable lives for their families. Referring to these workers, former President Corazon Aquino coined the phrase ‘Bagong-Bayani’ in 1988. OFWs are the country’s modern-day heroes because they not only boost the Philippines’ economy through remittances but are figures of resilience. OFWs endure homesickness, personal sacrifices, and horrible working conditions in order to support their families back home.

By the Numbers

The Philippine Statistic Authority estimates that about 1.83 million OFWs worked abroad from April to September 2021. The same data reveal that about “four in every ten” OFWs work low-status or ‘ elementary ’ jobs, such as street vendors, construction and factory workers, cleaners, domestic helpers, and agriculture laborers. A majority of OFWs work in Asia, specifically Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Singapore, and Qatar.

Because of their major contribution to the growth and development of the Philippine economy, OFWs are revered as the nation's economic heroes. According to data released by the Central Bank of the Philippines, remittances from OFWs reached a record high in December of last year: from the previous all-time high of US$34.88 billion, it rose by 3.6 percent to a record high US$36.14 billion in 2022.

“OFW remittances, at new record highs on a monthly basis, are a bright spot for the Philippine economy in terms of spurring consumer spending, which accounts for at least 75 percent of the economy, and in turn, support faster economic growth,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief economist Michael Ricafort said .

Furthermore, most OFWs are Filipina women. The numbers clearly show that women dominate the workforce, accounting for approximately 60 percent of OFWs. According to data from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, at least 18,002, or 75.05 percent of the 23,986 cases of abuse and other incidents involving workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council that were reported last year included female OFWs. On the other hand, male OFWs were involved in only 5,984 cases, or 24.95 percent of all cases.

These women are disproportionately more likely to suffer from terrible working conditions, as they are often subjected to abuse, excessive work, little pay, rape, or worse, being killed by their foreign employers. The International Labour Office published a working paper titled Philippines: Good Practices for the Protection of Filipino Women Migrant Workers in Vulnerable Jobs explaining that “Gender-based discrimination intersects with discrimination based on other forms of  ‘otherness’ – such as non-national status, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status – placing women migrants in situations of double, triple or even fourfold discrimination, disadvantage or vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.”

In 2020, there were 23,714 documented cases of contract violations involving the maltreatment of OFWs, according to data provided by the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices, and approximately 5,000 of these cases were reported from Middle Eastern countries. According to the Philippine Information Agency, Filipina women who work in the Middle East are subjected to the “ kafala ” system, which ties foreign workers to their employers. Under this framework, employers could easily lock domestic workers inside their houses and seize their phones, passports, and visas until the expiration of their contracts.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a comprehensive report titled “ ‘I Already Bought You’ Abuse and Exploitation of Female Migrant Domestic Workers in the United Arab Emirates,” which explains real-world examples of how the UAE’s kafala system of visa sponsorship binds migrant employees to their employers and how the exclusion of domestic workers from labor law protections exposes them to abuse.

The report included interviews with 99 female domestic workers in the UAE between November and December 2013. 22 of the 99 domestic helpers questioned by HRW claimed to have experienced physical abuse at the hands of their sponsors.

“They slap me in the face and kick me. They have a stick for you. If I make a small mistake they would hit parts of my body—back legs, back, and head. Sir would slap or punch me in the face. If they come back from the mall and I am not finished they would beat me,” Shelly A., a 30-year-old Filipina worker said. “They would say, ‘If you had done work then we won’t hit you.’ ”

Injustices in Kuwait

Currently, there are over 268,000 OFWs who live and work in Kuwait with 88 percent of them working as domestic helpers and 73 percent of them being female. According to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), there were over 24,000 cases of abuse and violation against OFWs in 2022—a significant rise from 6,500 in 2016.

It is a significant sacrifice to work abroad. Being physically and emotionally thousands of miles away from one’s family for an indefinite period is challenging, isolating, and suffocating. Rowena, a 54-year-old Filipina worker in Bahrain found herself feeling “trapped” due to canceled flights to the Philippines because of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as being underpaid by her employer. “I don’t want to make trouble. I want to go home,” Rowena said .

Beyond this, many OFWs also work abroad without knowledge of the future or the dangers they may encounter in a foreign country. Even worse, a harsh truth of working abroad is that a number of OFWs return home as dead bodies.

In January of 2023, Jullebee Ranara , a Filipina domestic helper living in Kuwait, confided in her family over the phone that she was terrified of her employer's 17-year-old son. The 35-year-old appeared to have vanished by the next day, which prompted her friends in the Gulf state to share their worries about her disappearance on social media.

Less than 24 hours later, on Jan. 21, 2023, her body was found dead, with burnt remains and a smashed skull found beside a desert near Al-Salmi Road.

Ranara was discovered to be pregnant after an autopsy, and DNA samples taken from the unborn child were confirmed to match the accused, who is the 17-year-old son of Ranara’s boss. After being apprehended, the 17-year-old perpetrator confessed to his crime.

Since 2018, there have been at least four murders of OFWs in Kuwait that have garnered national attention, including the case of 29-year-old Joanna Demafelis , whose body was kept secret in a freezer in an abandoned apartment for nearly two years. Her employers, a Syrian and a Lebanese couple, received death sentences for the murder of the victim.

In 2019, 47-year-old Constancia Lago Dayag was discovered dead after being sexually abused and beaten to death by her boss. The same year, 26-year-old Jeanelyn Villavende passed away from serious injuries inflicted by her boss, who was ultimately given a death sentence for the murder.

“These are only the high-profile ones,” Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion told VICE World News. “There are other cases that are not visible. The public is not made aware of the real gravity of the rampant abuses faced by Filipino domestic helpers in Kuwait.”

Actions taken by the Philippine Government

A week after the discovery of Jullebee’s body, her remains were returned to her grieving family in Las Piñas, Philippines. Without delay, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. attended Jullebee’s wake and promised to provide the deceased’s family with all aid possible.

“I just wanted to offer my sympathies to the family and to assure them that all the assistance that they might need for the family and for whatever else, that is my promise to them,” Marcos Jr. remarked . “Their child made that sacrifice to work abroad because she has dreams for her family here.”

Recently, the DMW issued a deployment ban on new and aspiring OFWs in Kuwait, following the increasing reports of work mistreatment, including the horrific murder of Ranara.

“In order to strengthen the protection of the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait, particularly workers who are most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, action on the applications of first-time agency-hire domestic workers bound for Kuwait is temporarily deferred effective immediately,” the DMWs said in a statement on Feb. 8, 2023.

Senator and Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Raffy Tulfo proposed a total deployment ban in Kuwait. “We can enter into bilateral agreements but our terms should be clear and unequivocal. If there are violators to such agreements, we have to prioritize the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers and act at the soonest possible time. Make these violators accountable and liable without concession and pursuant to our laws and international conventions,” Tulfo said in a senate inquiry.

The DMW was also tasked with working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to communicate to the Kuwaiti government the "sentiments and concerns" of the Filipino people regarding all recurrent incidents of physical and financial abuse, failure to pay monetary benefits, as well as murder committed against OFWs after the deployment ban went into effect.

The deployment ban was not well received by migrant advocacy groups, who claimed it would not provide a permanent solution to the issues surrounding labor migration. They claimed that placing bans for an extended period of time would encourage OFWs to turn to illicit means and consequently put themselves at risk for human trafficking in their desperation to find jobs abroad.

“What about the already-deployed Filipinos? Are there any steps being taken to protect them and make sure they do not suffer the same fate as Julleebee and the others?” Concepcion said to Maritime Fairtrade News. “These problems cannot be resolved with a deployment ban. The Philippine government has imposed bans many times before, but lifted them soon after when the particular cases of abuse or murder had been resolved by the courts and the perpetrators punished by death penalty or long-term imprisonment. When the deployment restarts, the abuses also start all over again.”

Much Needed Reform

OFWs often serve as the backbone of their families back home. Based on the results of a survey published by the Social Weather Stations , they found that 7 percent of Filipino households have an OFW who helps support the family. In addition, seventy-five percent of households frequently receive money from their OFW family members.

It would be difficult and inconsiderate to discourage or ban OFWs from going abroad for work. To promote a better quality of life for OFWs, the Philippine government must enact concrete policies aimed at protecting the welfare of Filipino workers. Advocacy groups, such as Migrante International are urging for reforms, including the abolition of the kafala system, which has resulted in complete employer control over domestic workers and OFWs.

For Concepcion, the country’s over-reliance on OFWs remittances is equivalent to the perpetuation of the violation and murder of Filipino workers. She believes that a viable solution to this issue involves ending the government’s labor export program and creating decent jobs domestically through meaningful land reform and national industrialization.

“The government’s determination to continue its labor export policy is totally misguided. What it should do is implement immediate measures to protect our domestic workers and OFWs abroad and long-term measures to generate decent jobs in the Philippines,” Concepcion said . “We need to end the government’s Labor Export Program and instead ensure that more jobs are created at home. Filipinos won’t have to leave the country and their families to risk their lives abroad if they have gainful and secure employment here.”

It is clear that OFWs live up to the definition of a bayani and are now considered heroes of the Philippines. However, under the shiny title of ‘bagong bayani’ lies a dark and unfortunate reality. Numerous Filipino workers suffer from various injustices including being overworked, underpaid, abused, raped, and even worse, murdered. The only way OFWs can truly be safeguarded is if the Philippine government enforces concrete and actionable policies. With this, OFWs could avoid the potential death sentence of working abroad and have the chance to be treated as they deserve to be: as modern-day heroes.

Laurinne Jamie Eugenio

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Strength in Their Sacrifice: A Photo Essay on OFW Women in the Philippines

Who Takes Care of Nanny's Children?

When a Filipino woman leaves her home to work overseas as a nanny, she knows that it will be years...

It's easy to account for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in terms of the number of those who are deployed each year and the billions of dollars they send back home in remittances—money that keeps the Philippine economy afloat. But how do we quantify the cost of the years spent far away from their loved ones? The badge of parenthood Like many mothers, Mary Beth Manguerra, works hard to give her children the one thing that will ensure a better life for them: an education. In that sense, Mary Beth would be like any other working mother except that since she works as a nanny in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she cannot always attend school activities like graduation. But today is different. Her son, Jomar, is finishing a degree in automotive technology and her 16-year-old daughter, Johbe Ann, is graduating from high school at the top of her class. Mary Beth flew from Riyadh to be at their graduation. "When I went up on stage with Johbe and put the medal around her neck, I felt like I was the one getting a medal," Mary Beth sighed happily, with relief. Today Mary Beth went through her own rite of passage: seeing her children graduate and being able to wear the badge of parenthood. (Read more about Mary Beth Manguerra and her family here ) What absence does When *Carlo's mother left to work in Dubai as a nanny, he was about 5 or 6 years old. He didn't understand what "working abroad" meant, but he was happy to see his mom go. "She promised that when she came back, she would buy me a bike," the 12 year old said innocently. His mother has been away for some years now and the last time Carlo saw her was last Christmas. She hasn't been calling lately and he doesn't know why. It's been about two or three months since she last called and they can't call her because her employer will get mad if they see her talking on the phone. Carlo's grandmother and his mom's sister take turns looking after him, but since both of them have to work, he often finds himself at home alone. Sometimes he doesn't go to school because there is no lunch money or because no one will notice anyway. "The saying, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder,' simply isn't true sometimes," said Lily Brul, president of the Laguna OFW Confederation. "Sometimes absence just makes the heart forget. It doesn't just happen between a husband and a wife. It also happens between mothers and their children." While there are no concrete statistics available, in 2008, various non-governmental organization (NGOs) pegged the number of children left behind by OFWs at 9 million . Too much, too soon " Napapagod din po ako minsan. Kasi nang nag-abroad si Mommy, pagkagising po, maglilinis ako, tapos pagkagaling sa school maglalaba at magluluto. Tapos nun, patutulogin ko po yun mga kapatid ko ," said Maryknol, talking about her typical day which had both academic and domestic responsibilities. (I get tired, too sometimes. When Mama left for abroad, I've had to clean up the house before going to school. Then after school, I would wash clothes and then cook. Then, I would put my brothers and sisters to sleep.) She was only 14 years old. Many studies show that when a mother leaves to work abroad, it is the girls – regardless of birth order – who rise up to the task of taking on the roles and responsibilities of their mother. "No matter her age at the time of her mother's departure, it is the girl in the family who will take over managing the house and taking care of the other children," said Mai Dizon-Anonuevo, executive director of Atikha, an NGO working with OFW families in Laguna. "She may have older brothers, but birth order doesn't matter. The oldest girl among the children will take on the role of the mother," Anonuevo said. Even if Joy has a lot to look forward to. Her scholarship for the upcoming school year was again approved; and, by next year, she will graduate with a degree in mathematics. Plus, the 19 year-old shared, " Nangako si Inay na uuwi next year sa para sa graduation ko. " (Mama promised that she would come home next year to see me graduate.) It will be the first time for her mother, Norma, to see either of her children graduate. A single mother, Norma left Joy and her older brother, Jim, in the care of her mother to work as a nanny in Abu Dhabi. She has seen her children twice in the 8 years that she has been away. " Alam ko, hindi magiging ganito buhay namin [at hindi aalis si Inay] kung hindi kami iniwan ng tatay namin. Kaya nag-aaral ako ng mabuti para maipakita sa tatay ko na kahit wala sya, ok lang kami ." (I know our lives would not have turned out this way [Mama would not have left] if our father did not leave us. That's why I study so hard. I want him to see if even if he left us, we're fine without him.) The boy named Jake The idea of bringing family photos to the migrant mothers I was going to interview in Dubai and in Paris did not occur to me until I saw this picture. This is *Jake. His mother, Mila, left to work abroad in Paris when he was 5 years old. As an undocumented migrant, Mila cannot exit France and has not seen her family for the last 3 years. It will take many more years before she can get a working permit and come back to the Philippines. Jake talks to his mother everyday on Skype and Viber, which are installed both on their PC and tablet. On the day that we visited Jake and his father to conduct our interview, Jake was the typical mischievous 8-year-old who refused to sit still for a photo. Our photographer, Geric , went out of his way to get Jake to warm up to him, following Jake around while our researcher, Nico and I interviewed his father. At the end of our very long shooting day, as I was reviewing the outtakes, I saw just how much effort it took to get a decent photo of Jake. There were pictures of lumpy blankets molded in the shape of the young boy it concealed, Jake face down on the floor and even some shots of doors that were shut as Jake tried to avoid Geric's shutter. And then there were these photos of Jake going to the basketball court. The photos were taken in a rapid succession and if you viewed them, it was like watching Jake in action and in his element. There was Jake sticking his tongue out as he bounced the ball in front of his opponent; Jake in earnest as he aimed for a shot; Jake stretched and jumping high to throw the ball and finally, Jake triumphantly smiling into the camera when he made a basket. Then it hit me. Has his mother ever seen him play basketball? At the airport, there are no goodbyes When a Filipino woman leaves her family to work abroad as a domestic worker or nanny, she knows it will be years before she will see her own children again. Despite the pending years of separation, there are no teary-eyed, last minute goodbyes at the airport. Farewells are risky and not to be indulged in. It will allow guilt to set in. "I really did not want my girls to come and see me off. Only my husband came," said Leilani, a domestic worker and caregiver in Taiwan. "I knew they would just cling to me and we would just end up crying. How could I ever leave them?" Sometimes goodbye, in any form, is too painful. "We have stories of mothers who just told their children they were going to the market, but got on a plane and never came back," said Luila Garcia, a field officer of Atikha, an NGO that promotes financial literacy among OFWs and their families. "These mothers don't do it to be cruel. They just don't know how to say good-bye." Women represent 83% of the 52-100 million domestic workers worldwide. According to UN Women , in the Philippines, 97% of total deployed OFWs in 2009 were female; one in every two female OFWs is an unskilled worker. In the Philippines, 97% of total deployed OFWs are female and one in every two female OFWs is an unskilled worker. *Editor's Note: Names have been changed.

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Understanding the OFW Phenomenon: A Closer Look at Overseas Filipino Workers

• by Amiel Pineda
• January 1, 2024 January 1, 2024

Have you ever considered the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as modern-day heroes?

Much like the resilient bamboo tree that sways with the winds but does not break, OFWs endure the challenges of working in foreign lands to support their families back home.

But beyond this metaphor lies a complex web of cultural, economic, and social dynamics that shape the OFW phenomenon.

From the reasons driving Filipinos to seek employment overseas to the impact of their absence on their loved ones, delving into this topic unveils a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and contributions of OFWs.

Key Takeaways

• OFWs play a crucial role in the economy and are considered heroes for their contributions.
• Challenges faced by OFWs include financial struggles, exploitative working conditions, and family separation issues.
• Legal and cultural barriers, such as restrictive immigration policies and discrimination, affect OFWs' experiences abroad.
• The government has established policies and agencies, like the POEA, to protect and support OFWs, but further oversight is needed.

Historical Overview of OFWs

During the Marcos years and continuing into the Cory Aquino administration, the phenomenon of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) began to take shape, shaping a significant aspect of the Filipino cultural and economic landscape.

The term 'Overseas Filipino Workers' was coined to portray them as heroes, highlighting their crucial role in the country's economy.

The government's creation of the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) to manage foreign labor migration was a pivotal development during this time .

Unlike the brain drain that existed previously, the OFW phenomenon differed in that most OFWs had fixed contracts and had to return to the Philippines .

Furthermore, the increase in the number of OFWs also contributed to the growth of remittances to the country, impacting not only the economy but also the social fabric of Filipino society.

This historical overview sheds light on the transformative impact of the OFW phenomenon.

Reasons for Working Abroad

The historical evolution of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) during the Marcos and Aquino administrations has led to a complex interplay of economic needs, cultural dynamics, and social implications that drive Filipinos to seek employment abroad.

The reasons for working abroad are varied and compelling:

• Economic Opportunities : Industries like shipping and construction abroad provide better-paying jobs than what's available domestically.
• Government Response : The establishment of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reflects the need to manage foreign labor migration.
• Temporary Solution : Overseas employment was initially seen as a temporary solution to the limited domestic job market.
• Financial Support : Remittances from OFWs sustain the consumption expenses of families left behind and contribute significantly to the nation's balance of payments.

These factors underscore the complex motivations and impact of working abroad for Filipinos.

Challenges Faced by OFWs

Working abroad as an OFW comes with its fair share of challenges. Financial struggles can be daunting, as you navigate through a different economic landscape.

Additionally, the separation from your family and the legal and cultural barriers you encounter can take a toll on your emotional well-being.

Financial Struggles Abroad

Amidst the challenges faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), navigating financial struggles abroad becomes a daunting and complex task.

The realities of low wages, high living expenses, and volatile currency exchange rates create a precarious financial environment.

OFWs often encounter exploitative working conditions, excessive fees, and a lack of legal protection in their host countries, exacerbating their financial hardships.

Balancing the responsibility of supporting families back home while meeting their own financial needs adds another layer of complexity.

Furthermore, financial mismanagement, lack of financial literacy, and limited investment opportunities hinder OFWs' ability to secure their financial future.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these challenges, resulting in job losses and income instability for many OFWs.

Family Separation Issues

Navigating life as an Overseas Filipino Worker brings about the significant challenge of enduring prolonged separation from your loved ones. The absence of family support and connections often leads to homesickness and emotional distress.

For OFW families, the absence of parental guidance can impact the well-being of children, who miss out on emotional support and care. Additionally, the physical distance from families can make overseas workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

The financial responsibility of supporting families while being physically separated can also lead to stress and mental health issues. These family separation issues highlight the emotional and psychological toll that OFWs and their families endure, emphasizing the need for support systems and resources to help them navigate the complexities of being apart while striving to provide for their loved ones.

Legal and Cultural Barriers

Encountering legal and cultural barriers in host countries presents significant challenges for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), affecting their adaptation to new customs and work environments.

• Restrictive immigration policies and limited legal protection hinder the mobility and security of OFWs.
• Cultural differences and language barriers create obstacles in integrating into the host country's society and workplace.
• Discrimination and unequal treatment in the workplace adversely impact the well-being and work experience of OFWs.
• Limited access to legal assistance and support exposes OFWs to vulnerability, increasing the risk of exploitation and abuse.

These challenges often stem from the differences in labor export policies and cultural norms between the Philippines and the host countries, making it crucial for OFWs to navigate these barriers while striving for a sense of belonging and security.

Economic Contributions of OFWs

The economic contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) play a vital role in bolstering the Philippines' Gross National Income (GNI) and enhancing the nation's overall productivity.

The remittances from OFWs significantly contribute to the country's GNI, providing additional income to the nation's productivity. The increase in the number of OFWs has led to a steady growth in remittances, contributing to the nation's balance of payments and improving macro-fundamentals.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has been instrumental in regulating and facilitating overseas employment, making it a crucial aspect of the nation's income and productivity.

Moreover, the opening up of the economy to foreign investors can create more job opportunities for Filipinos, leading to a more prosperous future for the Philippines .

The economic contributions of OFWs have a profound impact on the nation's economic landscape, reflecting the resilience and hard work of the Filipino workforce.

Impact on Families Left Behind

The separation caused by working abroad as an OFW impacts the emotional and social fabric of families left behind in the Philippines. This impact is complex and multi-faceted.

• The absence of a parent or spouse can lead to emotional strain and feelings of loneliness, especially during important family milestones and celebrations.
• The financial support from OFWs sustains the basic needs and expenses of the family, providing a better quality of life and access to education and healthcare.
• However, this absence can also lead to challenges such as absentee parenting, communication gaps, and a sense of disconnection within the family unit.
• Despite these challenges, the remittances sent home by OFWs contribute significantly to the overall economic stability and growth of the Philippines, creating a larger and more prosperous home community crucial for nation-building.

Government Policies and Agencies

Amidst the complexities surrounding the impact of overseas Filipino workers on their families left behind, the Philippine government has established crucial policies and agencies to oversee and regulate labor migration. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) plays a vital role in managing foreign labor migration, ensuring the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Additionally, the government has recognized the need for further oversight, leading to the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers, which is set to be operational by 2023. Despite the government's claim of not maintaining a labor export policy, agencies like POEA supervise labor recruitment and deployment agencies. This is essential to protect OFWs from mental health concerns, discrimination, and abusive workplaces. The establishment of these policies and agencies reflects the government's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by OFWs and ensuring their well-being.

Health and Well-being of OFWs

To understand the challenges and experiences of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), it's important to delve into the intricate dynamics of their health and well-being while living and working abroad.

The health and well-being of OFWs are profoundly impacted by various factors such as the stress of separation from family, exposure to unsafe workplaces, and mental health concerns. Here's what affects their health and well-being:

• Stress of Living Abroad : OFWs often face the stress of adapting to a new culture and environment, which can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
• Separation from Family : Being away from their loved ones can lead to feelings of loneliness, homesickness, and emotional distress.
• Unsafe Workplaces : Many OFWs work in environments where they may be exposed to hazardous conditions, affecting their physical health.
• Mental Health Concerns : Depression and workplace discrimination are prevalent among Filipino migrant workers, especially women, posing significant challenges to their overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What have you understood about the overseas filipino workers.

You understand the overseas Filipino workers' significant impact on the country's economy and society. Their remittances contribute to the nation's balance of payments, while their cultural integration and social support are vital for their well-being.

Has the OFW Phenomenon Impact on the Philippines Been Generally Positive?

Yes, the OFW phenomenon has had a generally positive impact on the Philippines. Their economic contribution through remittances sustains consumption and improves the nation's balance of payments, benefiting the overall economy.

What Are the Challenges Faced by Overseas Filipino Workers?

Living as an OFW, you face financial struggles due to high placement fees and unfair salary deductions. Additionally, cultural adjustment can be challenging, with language and integration barriers posing difficulties in foreign countries where you work.

Why Are There so Many Filipino Overseas Workers?

You're wondering why there are so many Filipino overseas workers. They go abroad for reasons like better economic opportunities and to support their families. This has economic and social implications for both the Philippines and the host countries.

You now have a deeper understanding of the OFW phenomenon, including its historical background, reasons for migration, economic contributions, and impact on families.

The challenges faced by OFWs and the policies and agencies in place to support them have also been highlighted.

By recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of OFWs, we can work towards improving their health and well-being, and addressing the issues they face while working abroad.

Home > SIT Graduate Institute > Capstone Collection > 1658

Capstone Collection

The overseas filipino workers’ (ofw) identity: local modern day heroes or global servants.

Ma. Victoria C. Garcia , School for International Training

Degree Name

MA in International and Intercultural Management

First Advisor

Martha Merrill

Migration has become a common demographic response of Filipinos to various socio-economic problems. In the light of the severe economic crisis that has confronted the country in recent years, the Philippines has become a major source for international migrants and become one of the largest sending countries of labor to various countries in the world. The Filipino workers, both women and men, leave the country in order to earn a sustainable income, a condition that is difficult or inadequate in their own country. This research investigated if OFWs perceived themselves within the context of the social labels “local modern day heroes” or “global servants”. Do these labels affect their personal, family or social life?

In this paper, the author used the grounded theory research method to formulate a theory concerning the perception of the identity of OFWs: a local hero or a global servant. The author conducted an on-line survey of OFW men and women who have been deployed since 2001 in one of five countries: Canada, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.

The three most important findings of this research were the following:

Globalization has created a new reality for OFWs, there has been a feminization of Philippine migration and OFWs have based their identity on what they can do for their family. OFWs know who they are and do not care how others perceived them. Because of the importance the OFWs place on the welfare and well-being of their families, labels are of little significance to them.

• Disciplines

International and Intercultural Communication | Sociology of Culture

Recommended Citation

Garcia, Ma. Victoria C., "The Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) Identity: Local Modern Day Heroes or Global Servants?" (2004). Capstone Collection . 1658. https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/1658

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OFWs are heroes of PH economy

The success of a country is usually shown by its commitment to provide opportunities that allow its people to become productive members of society. For a relatively poor nation like ours with scarce and often misused resources, opportunities and good-paying jobs are severely limited. Our countrymen—waiters, welders, construction workers, teachers, drivers, accountants, doctors, etc.—are compelled to seek employment in other countries, where salaries/wages are lucrative, to the disadvantage of their loved ones left behind. Ironically, the labor and sacrifice of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have also considerably improved the lives of our countrymen, and have brought some sense of economic security and well-being to our nation.

OFWs are indeed the country’s modern heroes. Their work overseas has greatly helped reduce poverty and played a major part in turning our once-lackluster financial system into the booming one it is today. OFW remittances have steadily increased to over $25 billion a year in the past several years. Because this money is sent to families of OFWs to buy mainly goods and services, it goes directly to businesses, leading to a corresponding increase in income in related sectors of the economy (the multiplier effect).

Regrettably, however, the allure of a “better life” overseas has also caused not only a drain on our country in terms of human skills, talents and potentials, but also the separation of families—in my opinion, a huge sacrifice for which no amount of money can compensate. In many cases, separation robs families of the chance to foster healthy relationships—the foundation of a healthy nation. And while majority of OFWs are fortunate to find joy and fulfillment overseas, a few are not so lucky and become victims of physical or sexual abuse by employers, or may even end up jailed or dead in foreign prisons.

Our government must continue to act with concern and urgency to address the plight of our OFWs and the unemployed. It must continue to improve the services to OFWs needing help, and aggressively pursue measures that spur economic growth on the home front to create more opportunities for our people. Thanks to our modern heroes—their labor and sacrifice have brought pride to our nation and have helped improve our economy.

Julius D. Turgano, [email protected]

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Humanities Diliman (Dec 2015)

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as Heroes: Discursive Origins of the “Bagong Bayani” in the Era of Labor Export

• Jean Encinas-Franco

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This essay seeks to trace the relevant national and global contexts from which the bagong bayani discourse of OFWs emerged. It does so by discussing the evolution of labor out-migration in the Philippines from its beginnings in the colonial times, to overseas employment’s institutionalization in the Labor Code of 1974, until the administration of President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino. It specifically presents the political, social, and economic context around which Aquino managed and continued the state-sponsored labor export program initiated by Marcos. Finally, it discusses the factors that made it possible for Aquino to designate migrants as “heroes”. The argument is that bagong bayani is a product of the global and national context. It can be best understood by examining transformations in global and political-economic structures, and discursive origins of heroism in the Philippine context. Presenting these contexts will provide a clearer understanding of why it has become commonsensical to regard OFWs as bagong bayani.

• Bagong bayani
• “modern-day heroes
• ” labor expert
• OFWs discourse
• labor out-migration

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• Corpus ID: 151602658

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as Heroes: Discursive Origins of the “Bagong Bayani” in the Era of Labor Export

• Jean Encinas-Franco
• Published 1 December 2015
• History, Sociology, Political Science
• Humanities Diliman: A Philippine Journal of Humanities

14 Citations

Global pinoys: the archipelago of migration, establishing a culture of migration the spatial, precarity and improvisation: challenges and strategies in filipino labour migration, overseas filipino workers and the covid-19 pandemic: exploring the emotional labor of persistence, lives lived in “someone else's hands”: precarity and profit-making of migrants and left-behind children in the philippines, falling into poverty: the intersectionality of meanings of hiv among overseas filipino workers and their families, changing lives: transformative learning and financial attitudes of filipino women migrants in italy, the values of heroism in the folklore “jaka tingkir” from javanese culture, revisiting kapwa: filipino ethics, subjectivity, and self-formation, 48 references, the language of labor export in political discourse: “modern-day heroism” and constructions of overseas filipino workers (ofws), migrant heroes: nationalism, citizenship and the politics of filipino migrant labor, balikbayan: a filipino extension of the national imaginary and of state boundaries, migrants for export: how the philippine state brokers labor to the world, migrant labour and the politics of scale: gendering the philippine state, the role of the state in the globalisation of labour markets: the case of the philippines, the emigration state and the modern geopolitical imagination, transgressing the nation-state: the partial citizenship and "imagined (global) community" of migrant filipina domestic workers, nationhood and transborder labor migrations: the late twentieth century from a late nineteenth-century perspective, filipino sea men: constructing masculinities in an ethnic labour niche, related papers.

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9 Reasons OFWs are Tagged as Modern-Day Heroes

Migrant Filipino workers have been regarded as modern-day heroes since the start of the century, when more and more Filipinos started moving out of the country to work . The martyr-like display of love manifested by their intense desire to improve the lifestyle of the entire family despite the lonely nights in a foreign land is nothing if not admirable.

One such negative comment about OFWs posted on social media prompted a Twitter user to react and another one to rush to the defense of OFWs in general.

Ang tindi ng tama ng pinagbabawal na gamot sa taong ito. No more hope for this one. Ulalong ulalo na.?? pic.twitter.com/mLb4OZXwQL — twilight (@rene_twilight) October 20, 2019

The post, which many found offensive, also tagged the migrant workers as “patay-gutom” which invited more support for the migrant workers.

1. OFWs are modern day heroes because they contribute to the country’s GDP by about 10% through money remittances. https://t.co/mqTPKUnaDw

2. GDP- growth domestic product. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.

— ? eMmmmm ? (@eMCee_sadt) October 21, 2019

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All about OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) aka Modern Day Heroes

The term OFW is an acronym for “ overseas Filipino worker ”, or Filipinos who opted to go to another country for employment. But like Filipinos who work in the Philippines, OFWs are also entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as members of the workforce. They also pay taxes to the Philippine government, and their remittances make up a significant part of our national economy.

The Department of Migrant Workers has been tasked to take care of the welfare of Filipino migrant workers abroad. Why is there a specific department for OFWs? It’s because our OFWs are prone to abuse and exploitation by their employers, and the Philippine government wants to make sure that they are protected.

The most common jobs that OFWs have are domestic work, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and shipbuilding. They usually work in countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Hong Kong, United States, etc.

Table of Contents

OFWs as Modern Day Heroes

In a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) published on March 7, 2022, there is an estimate of 1.77 million Filipinos working abroad from April to September of 2020. From this number, a whopping 96.4% or about 1.77 million are overseas contract workers, or those with active employment contracts.

The remaining 3.6% are Filipinos who are working abroad albeit with a different legal document such as a tourist, student, medical, or visitor visa, or any other non-working or non-immigrant permit. The total remittance sent by OFWs during this period amounted to over ₱134 billion, which came in a combination of in-kind cash sent to the country, and cash brought home. 

OFWs are often coined as the “ modern day heroes ” for their sacrifices have always been valued, not only by the families they left behind, but also by the country they have always gone home to. Besides their immense contribution to our economy, OFWs contribute to the growth of Filipino culture worldwide, building communities of their own in order to foster the same feeling of home that they have been missing while working abroad.

We also hear of OFWs who have gone or are experiencing abuse and mistreatment in their countries of employment, and while the Philippine government maintains their stand on protecting our countrymen wherever they may be, some still brace such sacrifice simply in order to continue providing their families in the Philippines with a better future.

Why Filipinos Apply for Work Abroad

The Philippines is among the world’s places with the most number of migrant workers, and there can be a lot of reasons for these, but these reasons are often interrelated and interdependent of each other.

1. Better career opportunities

This is probably the most common reason you would hear from other Filipinos who wish to work abroad, and it’s no secret that greener pastures do lie in other countries than here in the country.

The idea of a bigger salary alone is convincing enough for many Filipinos to take the risk of living away from their loved ones. Moreover, overseas jobs allow for Filipinos to renew and explore themselves as skilled workers, as most job offers are contractual.

Although, of course, the ideal is to be a regular employee, the fact that you can renew your contract every time it ends is a benefit of its own, and the liberty to either continue the path you chose or pursue another is in your hands.

2. Reasonable compensation

Many job offers abroad also come with better benefits and more reasonable and fitting qualifications. Therefore, Filipinos need not to worry about accomplishing so much paperwork when they know what they’re applying for in the first place, and its long-term effect is twofold: it fulfills their sole purpose of going abroad, and it also helps boost their morale, even with white-collar jobs. The idea is that when you are valued as an employee, the company sees the significance of your contributions and appreciates your presence, therefore making you value your job. 

3. Good work experience

Working abroad provides Filipinos with a new environment with people and practices that may be far from what they know, which therefore allows them to explore their job more and gain significant experience that they wouldn’t normally get as a worker in the Philippines.

And should they come back for another career in the country, having an overseas work experience in their resume would give them the edge they would need for better compensation locally.

4. A chance for residence abroad

Another common plan for FIlipinos is to work abroad for a few years or until they can be their own sponsor and bring their families to live with them. This is because the longer you work in a foreign country, the higher your chance to be approved as a resident should you apply for one, especially when the country of employment sees your significant contribution and good moral standing.

It can also be a privilege for OFWs to get residence in their country of employment as it is easier to travel in an out of the country with such document. And on top of that, getting to experience the greener pasture with your beneficiary sure is worth the hard work.

5. Local and international benefits

OFWs are entitled to local benefits from government agencies such as OWWA, should they become members. They are also entitled to various international benefits as set by their employer, recruitment agency, and the government of their country of employment, should they become residents.

These benefits may come in the form of financial assistance for educational, livelihood, medical or other purposes, and they may be claimed for either their own benefit or for the benefit of their dependents in the country. 

6. Better savings

Last but not the least, the saying “You reap what you sow.” applies well for most OFWs, because better paying jobs would mean they can establish better means of saving up money, and they can actually save up more.

Whatever they save up from years of working would be the fruit that they can send or bring with them home for a better life—with their investment returned.

Considerations in becoming an OFW

Many Filipinos who become OFWs enjoy a number of benefits in a variety of settings. Some of these benefits are useful in their everyday life in a foreign country, while some of them benefit their loved ones back home. However, the mere thought of working far from home is a huge risk, and a responsibility in itself.

Working overseas would be a whole new world, especially for first time migrant workers, and the necessary adjustments will either make or break your supposedly new chapter of life.

So it pays to weigh the pros and cons of working abroad depending on your resources, current overall condition, capabilities as an individual, and the consent of your loved ones (before you leave them for a long time!)

1. Language

Being bilingual (or even multilingual) is an advantage for most jobs here and abroad, because it actually allows for us to break language barriers and communicate with more people. This is a very useful skill especially when you are dealing with foreign clients.

On the other hand, it can also be a hassle for some who are not used to communicating in more than one language. It can also be an extra challenge, especially when you are already an adult and you’d have to pay to take formal language lessons.

And take note that world languages are constantly evolving, meaning you’d need consistency in using the language for you to actually learn it and use it appropriately at work.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, moving abroad will entail a cycle of adjustments, including culture shock, as well as the occasional homesickness, separation anxiety, and feelings of instability. While this is normal for everyone who’s going out of their comfort zones, it can be detrimental to one’s overall well-being, therefore affecting their performance at work. There will also be times where you will feel alone and discriminated against, and these feelings are all valid. 

But on the flipside, working abroad provides opportunities to get to know and be familiar with people in other parts of the world. There is no better tip on cultural awareness than being immersed in the culture itself. It can be grueling—embarrassing at some point—but it is definitely worth the time and effort when you get to discover more of yourself in the process. And should you need protection or extra guidance, the Philippine consulates, embassies, and overseas offices are ready and willing to help you adjust.

3. Conflicts with personal life

Working abroad would mean having to establish yourself again, but this time, as part of a whole new community. Feelings of isolation and anxiety will come, and there will be times where it will be hard to talk to your loved ones back home—may it be because of time differences, conflicts with your work schedule, or simply because you don’t feel like it—and again, these are all normal. 

Conflicts with personal life and interests are part of the adjustments that OFWs need to face when working abroad, but they can prepare for this beforehand through pre-deployment orientation seminars and training workshops organized by the Philippine government through OWWA, or accredited manning agencies by the Philippine government. Also, picking up new hobbies, interests, and building new routines make for an effective adjustment to the new community you are growing and working in.

4. Struggles at Work

Being an OFW is not as glamorous as it seems. We’ve heard of success stories from some of them, but many of them had to go through hardships, and some still endure them.

Maintaining a clean and agreeable reputation at work takes a lot of time, and it can be a real issue given the uncertainties in foreign territory. Abuse, maltreatment, and discrimination are only some of the major issues that many OFWs continue to face.

On top of that, OFWs had to adjust to the uncertainties of their working environments and other harsh conditions. These struggles contribute to the buildup of stress that they might be facing as lone individuals far from home.

However, the Philippine government, through its overseas agencies and partners, consistently reassure OFWs of their security and the protection of their rights and welfare as they strive to build a career abroad.

How a Filipino Can Become an OFW

In order for a Filipino to become an OFW, it is important to take note of the following steps and guidelines:

1. Know which job you are most suited for, given your knowledge, skills, and experience.

A lot of online and in-person job fairs offer various jobs abroad. Government offices such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) also announce job openings abroad, in cooperation with different accredited manning agencies, , so be sure to keep yourselves posted for updates. 

2. Be familiar with the different Philippine overseas offices

The next step is to be familiar with the different government offices that are tasked to facilitate, monitor, assist, and evaluate the activity of OFWs going in and out of the country. Some of these include:

• Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
• Commission of Filipinos Overseas (CFO)
• Philippine embassies, consulate offices, and overseas labor offices worldwide
• Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)
• Social Security System (SSS)
• Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG)

3. Know and comply with the application procedures and requirements

The third (and the longest) step is to know and comply with the application procedures and requirements, which may vary from one job to another. Generally, applying for an overseas job would entail the following:

• Attending pre-employment and pre-deployment seminars
• Accomplishing documentary requirements such as forms, statements and certificates,
• Completing interviews, medical and screening exams, and
• Signing of contracts 

These procedures may or may not require a fee, and will take from a couple of hours to even weeks. The application process will cost you the most time, money and energy, which you will have to prepare for when applying for an overseas job.

4. Validation

Upon submission and accomplishing the application process, you will be allowed to proceed to your validation. Present your receipt and supplementing documents to the Bureau of Immigration before you can head onto the plane or ship for your travel.

5. Get acquainted once you land

Last but not the least, upon arrival in your country of employment, it is important to acquaint yourself with the community as best as you can. Navigate around, immerse yourself with the locals, and get to know the Philippine offices you can contact. You can also contact your employer prior to starting your work in order to be oriented on your payroll system and other benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these common questions about overseas Filipino workers.

1. Is the OFW a new term? How long have there been OFWs?

OFWs have been going on since the early 70s! Many of them, however, have chosen the path of an OFW primarily due to the lack of employment opportunities in the country back then.

2. Why do Filipinos choose to work abroad?

Besides the reasons we have mentioned in the first part of this article, we believe the primary motivation for Filipinos choosing to work abroad is their being family-oriented. Many Filipinos would sacrifice a lot for their loved ones to thrive. Providing a better future for their families by saving up more money to send home is a common manifestation of this trait.

3. Are OFWs same with migrant workers? Do they have a difference?

There is no particular difference between the two terms, for they both mean the same. Migrant workers refer to people who move to another country for employment. OFWs are simply another term, if not more specific to Filipinos, for the same group of people. Although, in the recently created Department of Migrant Workers, the term “migrant workers” was used in place of OFWs. 

4. Which countries have the most number of OFWs?

Top destinations for OFWs differ according to the type of work that is in demand. In a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority in March 2022, OFWs based in Asia comprise 83.6% of the total number of OFWs from April to September 2020. Among these, Saudi Arabia ranked first in the most number of OFWs, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Hongkong, Qatar, Singapore, and other Asian countries.

In conclusion, going abroad in hopes of a better life is a common picture for many Filipinos, despite the risks it may pose. They believe that it is the best way for their families to continue living in a country with unequal opportunities brought about by the growing class divide.

Being in a third world country means taking every chance at alleviating the hardships that your loved ones are facing, and this might be the closest reason to why they are dubbed the modern day heroes—offering their lives for a more prosperous future.

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October 21, 2021

Why are ofws considered as modern patriots.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) strive to work hard for their families and loved ones to have better lives regardless of the profession that they’re practicing in other countries. While making ends meet , here are some struggles that OFWs face every day as well as reasons they are considered as ‘modern day heroes’ of our everyday lives.

4 Reasons Why OFWs Are Modern Day Heroes

Before we can say that OFWs work in other countries just to have a better life for them, let’s take a look as to why OFWs are known as ‘modern day heroes’:

Stable Inflow of OFW Remittances

According to an article entitled 9 Reasons Why OFWs are Considered as Heroes of Modern Day on a website called OFW Update, they give 10% to the Philippines’ GDP through money remittances. That means it’s a massive contribution to the Philippine economy with the Monetary Currency supply and demand, making the Philippine Peso stronger each day with each currency exchange!

Suggested Read: 10 Best Domestic Remittance Centers for OFWs

OFW Remittances Remain to Shoot Up Despite the Pandemic

Despite the restrictions due to COVID – 19, remittances from Overseas Filipinos saw double – digit growth last May 2021 as more jobs came back and more opened worldwide, according to an article that was posted in Rappler by Ralf Rivas named Overseas Filipinos’ Remittances Up to 13.1% in May 2021. It also mentioned that according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, money transfers through bank transfers rose up to 13.1% (around $2.38 billion) from $2.34 billion last year while personal money transfers, such as cash and in – kind through informal channels, shot up to 13.3%  (around $2.65 billion) from $2.34 of last year. These remittances mostly came from the United States, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and Canada, making both land and sea – based workers remitting more cash during the period.

The Country’s Vital Assets

Because of the growing demand of Filipinos overseas, OFWs exceed the expectations of employers around the world and they do their jobs well, thus explaining various industries and imports that come into the country and their expertise becoming well – known in the Philippines, making them well – respected people not only for the Philippines, but also worldwide when it comes to employment.

Modern Heroism

At the end of the day, OFWs not only represent the country and economy, but they also represent the families and loved ones that they work hard for to have a better life for them. It’s no joke that they struggle each day to make ends meet, but when they see that their families and loved ones have better lives because of them, that makes them feel proud of themselves.

A Modern Day Sacrifice

Of course with working abroad comes with different struggles and sacrifices for each Overseas Filipino Worker, whether it’s financial, emotional, or mental as well as physical aspects. But yes, we have to admit that eventually, they can cope up and enjoy life at its fullest.

Wanting to be Present, But Can’t

Between time differences, priorities, and other things and mishaps that ruin their plans in making an appearance to family events such as graduations, birthdays, Christmas, and many other family gatherings, even if they know they’re a video call, an email, or a chat away, OFWs still want to be present in every milestone, even if that would cost them a huge amount money.

Suggested Read: Streamtech: Bridging the Gap between OFWs and Their Families Back Home

Putting Other People First Before Themselves

If you’ve watched Hello, Love, and Goodbye, it summarizes the financial and personal struggles OFWs go through, and one of them is putting other people first, regardless of the situation. Whether a sister’s or brother’s enrollment is coming up, when someone wants or needs something, or when someone is sick, they would do anything in order for them to provide whatever is needed, even if they neglected their rests and day offs just to make time for side hustles in order for them to have extra income .

The Side Hustle Struggle

Sometimes with the surplus of employment rate of Filipinos in other countries, income becomes quite hard to achieve, especially if they work for someone who has too many expenses and is ready to let go of them. So on weekends or at night time, they find side hustles (even if it’s illegal in some countries) so that they can have more money to bring over to their families.

Reality Bites: The Mental Health Flip Side

Working abroad for some can be quite overwhelming and exciting at first, but for some in the long run, it could have a negative impact on them while it could have a positive impact on others.

Homesickness

When an OFW gets to a new country for the first time, this is the most common feeling, especially for mothers and fathers who are far away from their children. It can be quite overwhelming (and can sink for a while) that an OFW is a thousand miles away from the people they love, especially their family.

Suggested Read: How To Cope With Homesickness

Culture Shock

Some OFWs experience culture shock and started to observe some cultural changes that they need to adapt in order for them to blend in with their type of society.  After all, “Do what the Romans do,” right?

Suggested Read: How To Deal With Culture Shock While Working Abroad

It’s inevitably relatable that OFWs miss the people they love, from their families to their friends and significant others, even after a video call or several hours of chatting. They usually wish they’re back home to spend time with their families and friends, but at the end of the day, they push themselves to give a better life for these people.

Difficult Working Conditions

Whether it’s to seek employment, to have a better income, or to give people a better life, not all OFW stories are successful. You would hear some of the injustices that you don’t hear every day such as related stories of sexual, physical, power, and verbal abuses from their employers (especially in women) as well as their toxic work schedules for some and racism even out of their workplace for others. Stories left and right about them going through poverty all over again because of being duped by other people or by certain circumstances, you name it. It’s not every day you get to hear these stories left and right because most of them go unheard and left behind for another time or until they’ve forgotten about them.

The Bottom Line

In other words, these “modern day heroes” fight each day like everybody else not to only survive, but to enjoy life and see smiles from other faces that are familiar to them. Nonetheless, the nation and their families are proud of them not only for the money and the economy, but how empowered and inspiring the nation is becoming thanks to these OFWs with success stories to be shared and stories that need to be heard.

Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFWs closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!

Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

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An open letter to OFWs: Thank you for all your sacrifices

Greetings mga Bayani,

By this time, I believe you’re now checking up on the balikbayan box that you sent home in time for the holidays. Has it arrived just in time? Were they surprised?

How about the pair of Nike shoes for kuya? Did he like it? How about the cell phone you bought for ate?

Oh, and let’s not forget the chocolates.  I am pretty sure the kids kept coming back to the fridge to get one.

Were you able to see them while opening the box as they excitedly scoured through it?

Or maybe … you were the gift they got this Christmas?

While some may have been lucky enough to go home and spend the Holidays in the Philippines, many had marked another missed Noche Buena and Media Noche. Whichever you are, I know you’ve worked hard all year to have something for them for Christmas.

And this is why I wrote this letter – to thank you.

Working overseas is not for the faint-hearted. Deciding to pursue it had surely taken you an ounce of courage. Leaving away your comfort zone and living in a foreign country just to provide your family a better future is such an act of bravery.

I want you to know that in the eyes of your family, you are selfless and strong and heroic.

Thank you for being selfless enough to sacrifice your heart’s desires for your family’s needs.

Thank you for being strong enough to endure life’s adversities alone while they are enjoying together the good life you are providing for them.

Thank you for being heroic enough to jump to ‘what if’s” rather than to live in “what could have been’s.”

You are selfless. You are strong. You are a hero.

You are already in the process of turning your sweat into a bright future. So, please do not give up yet.

One day, those tears you secretly hide when you talk to them will turn into tears of joy when you return home.

For now, I’m asking you to remain selfless, and strong, and heroic as you face the year apart from them.

Thank you for all your sacrifices.

I am certain that you will go home with your goals achieved and hopes realized in time.

Nagmamahal,

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OFWs as modern-day heroes: Seriously?

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

With over 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as of the last official count, the Philippines has not only seen renewed discussion of national concerns, as the recent presidential election has shown. The country, more than ever, also faces transnational issues encountered daily by its own migrant workers.  

The large voter turnout among overseas Filipinos, the highest at 31.45% after 2004, when the country first had overseas absentee voting, implies that the OFWs have finally spoken. Faced with all sorts of imaginable and unimaginable migratory experiences, beyond the votes that they cast, OFWs now want their voices to be heard.

Considered as the country’s modern-day economic heroes, OFWs have become beneficiaries of some of President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders to the bureaucracy, aimed at expediting processes and services specific to their needs. While this measure is deemed necessary, if only to streamline the day-to-day operations of  government agencies catering to the sector, a closer examination of OFW-related concerns should go way beyond what has already become a part of a simple protocol. 

As a major player in the global labor circuit, the Philippines continues to face a plethora of migrant work issues, including those that even previous administrations had struggled with. Some concerns are recurrent, such as drug smuggling and human trafficking, as exemplified by the case of Mary Jane Veloso . Others are emerging.

Zeroing in on measures designed to address OFW concerns, the new administration’s next best move may be carried out via a two-pronged approach. On one hand, it should study carefully the issues previously paired with relevant policies or polices that show a great potential for success yet are either not being implemented or poorly executed.

Touted worldwide as a labor-sending country that serves as a model due to its established programs and policies, the Philippines boasts of well thought-out plans whose implementation requires solid attention. Reinventing the wheel is not exactly a gainful exercise in this regard.

On the other hand, the new government should also look into issues brought about by trends, or newer situations that were deemed nonviable within the context of each of the previous administrations. This second approach promises a considerable number of opportunities for the current leadership to prove its worth, if it wishes to stay faithful to its campaign promises.

OFW issues relevant to this approach are those that are propelled by the changes of the times. As the propensity of the Filipinos to seek work abroad continues to grow, so do the issues that the government is expected to address.

Emerging destinations, emerging issues

The number of emerging countries of destination continues to expand, and, as such, the needs of OFWs diversify as well. While some of these needs are already addressed and the corresponding policies are already established in top destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Italy, among others, the same cannot be said of countries with a budding Filipino population.

In Thailand, for example, where there are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000  OFWs – with the teaching work force as the biggest occupational category – questions about the workers’ social and statutory protection run high. 

During Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s state visit to the Philippines, it was reported that while Thailand and the Philippines have an existing bilateral agreement, it does not cover the Filipino workers’ social and statutory needs. Instead, the bilateral agreement that is supposed to hedge said workers’ needs has been in the pipeline for years now.

As such, while the OFWs in Thailand continue to contribute to the Philippines’ economic growth through their remittances, they generally remain unprotected.

One form of protection many OFWs consider important is access to statutory benefits such as the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth, the country’s national insurance program. But in the case of emerging destinations with a small Filipino population, the portability of these programs which would give them access within the host country may, at times, not just be possible.

While a good number of employers provide medical insurance to its foreign personnel, the coverage is often limited, forcing an OFW to shoulder the extra expense. This, of course, is just one of the many limitations OFWs experience in their host country.

Given Duterte’s orders that directly impact OFWs and with Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr’s statement calling the Filipino overseas workers as the country’s “economic heroes,” shouldn’t it be high time that the government reciprocate the contributions of Filipino migrant workers in more tangible ways? – Rappler.com

Analiza Perez-Amurao is a senior lecturer and assistant program director in Mahidol University International College in Thailand. A PhD candidate, her research examines the migratory experience of Filipino educators in the Kingdom by looking through the lenses of the politics of English language education. Funded by SEASREP, Toyota Foundation and Japan Foundation, she presented her preliminary findings in the University of Gadjah Mada, Indonesia late last year. Visit her online page , or follow her @analiza_amurao. 

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Why are OFWs Heroes of The Philippine Economy?

• 2 years ago
• Blogs , News & Updates

It appears that anywhere you go in the world, you will probably have found a community of Filipino immigrants that has already established itself or is just getting started. Filipinos are one of the world’s most solely devoted workers, with truly admirable qualities that entice us to other racial groups. This article will help you understand how Filipino migrant workers contribute to the economy.

Several citizens of underdeveloped countries, such as the Philippines, consider leaving their families and homeland in search of better work opportunities in other countries. The mental anguish brought about by leaving a loved one will always be existent, nevertheless, other developed economies of other countries often provide better opportunities for earning a living. Some compelling reasons to emigrate are higher pay, enhanced overall working conditions, and a substantially better lifestyle. Vast numbers of Filipino emigrants send large amounts of money home annually. The Philippines considers its emigrant population to be the nation’s most valuable foreign exchange earner. Roughly 10% of the country’s population works abroad, which is undoubtedly a sizable proportion of the Filipino labor force. But how do Filipino migrant workers contribute to the Philippine economy?

What is an OFW?

OFW is an acronym that stands for Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). An Overseas Filipino Worker is a person of Filipino descent who lives outside the country. The term OFWs refers to Filipinos who are living in another country as legal immigrants as well as those who are visiting for work or study. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported last March 2022, that there are about 11 million Filipinos living abroad.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an approximate 10 million Filipinos, around tenth of the Philippine population, were living and working abroad as domestic workers, mariners, nursing staff, and other occupations. The majority of Overseas Filipino Workers are from Luzon. OFWs from CALABARZON provinces account for eighteen point four percent (18.4%) of all Overseas Filipino Workers, followed by those from Central Luzon provinces thirteen point nine percent (13.9%) and the National Capital Region twelve point eight percent (12.8%). As a result, 45.1 percent of all Overseas Filipino Workers are from Luzon. The remaining OFWs are from the Visayas and Mindanao. However, it must be acknowledged that Eastern Visayas (dominated by Leyte and Samar) account for nine point four percent (9.4%) of all OFWs, while Western Visayas (Panay and Negros) account for six point five percent (6.5%). Mindanao produces fewer Overseas Filipino Workers. Is this, however, a possible empirical mistake? Mindanao is a land of immigrants from the Philippines’ northern provinces. Did they classify themselves as ethnics from their Luzon and Visayan origins or with the province of their immediate residential area in the survey? Nonetheless, all Mindanao regions account for just thirteen point two percent (13.2%) of all OFWs.

How do OFWs help the economy?

For decades, inflows from OFWs have become one of the domestic economy’s growth operators. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are considered to be modern-day heroes all over the Philippines. Their jobs in other foreign countries have significantly reduced poverty and played an important role in transforming our once-struggling financial sector into the thriving one it is today.

Over the last few years, OFW remittances have continuously grown to more than USD 25 billion per year. Since this money is sent to families of Overseas Filipino Workers to buy primarily goods and services, it directly benefits businesses, resulting in higher income in related aspects of the economy. This is one way how Filipino migrant workers contribute to the economy. Overseas Filipino Workers send money to their families left home on a regular basis. These foreign remittances, like the exports we sell to other countries to earn dollars, have provided a consistent source of dollar earnings. It has demonstrated its resilience in the face of several crises, and authorities and economies regard this as a plus for the economy’s development. In addition, the Philippines’ Balance Of Payment (BOP) position and Gross International Reserves (GIR) are also anticipated to boost from the continued tenacity of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remittances. Clearly, OFW remittances influence the macroeconomics of the Philippines. However, they also provide numerous far-reaching and deeply rooted microscopic benefits. OFW remittances continue to provide the most important growth in the lives of Filipinos. Inward remittances supplement the recipient households’ total income. It increases disposable income even if a homeowner generates one’s own domestic income. Consumer spending shoots up as wages rise. This progresses from basic needs to enhanced consumption of goods. There is no escaping the fact that most families of Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) standard of living has changed for the better. The funds are distributed directly to household members, family and friends, relatives, and peers, who use them to improve their lives by financing food and other basic necessities, schooling, and innovative business endeavors.

Read also: Affordable Housing Programs in the Philippines for OFWs

According to a Filipino economist, cash remittances transmitted by Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) showed an increase of 3.2 percent annually to roughly USD 2.594 billion. Moreover, the influx is expected to increase further as more economies reopen. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that cash remittances increased by 2.4 percent year on year to USD7.77 billion in the first quarter of this year. The revival of more economic systems is also a benefit for remittances, while other drawbacks include Russia’s attack on Ukraine, a rise in the US and global bond yields relative to the expected hikes in Federal Reserve rates, and recent Chinese lockdowns, which may have an impact on global growth. Remittances sent by Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are helping to bridge the gap between the rich and the disadvantaged by supporting a thriving middle class. With higher standards of living and more expendable income, consumers spend more on goods and services, propelling the economy forward. This is how OFWs help the economy. Money deposited from everywhere in the globe by Filipinos accounts for at least 10% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is the second major source of foreign capital after value-added exports such as electronic parts, and a significant source of personal spending, which accounts for 75 percent of GDP. Last year, Filipinos working abroad sent home a record of USD 31.4 billion in cash remittances, bolstering the Philippines’ macroeconomic stability during from pandemic. The shift to digital remittance channels also simplified money transfer and recording.

Remittances have a far-reaching impact on the Philippine economy that goes much further than GDP figures. OFW remittances have played an important role in the country’s foreign exchange earnings. As a result, these remittances have contributed to improving the country’s balance-of-payments position, boosting the current-account surplus.

Inflows sent by foreign workers contribute not only at the macroeconomic level of the Philippines’ national economy but also at the microeconomic level of household finances. This sums up how Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) help the economy.

Read also: Bria House and Lot: OFWs and their impact on the Philippine Economy

A nation’s progress is typically demonstrated by its dedication to delivering opportunities for its citizens to become valuable members of society. Opportunities and well-paying job prospects are severely limited in a relatively poor country like ours, where resources are scarce and quite often misused. Our fellow citizens who work as plumbers or electricians, maintenance workers, teaching staff, operators, accounting professionals, general practitioners, and so on— are forced to seek work opportunities in other regions of the world, at the expense of their loved ones left apart. Ironically, the labor and sacrifice of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have significantly improved the lives of Filipino citizens, bringing some significant contribution to the economic security and well-being of our country.

If you are currently a Filipino working overseas and are searching to either invest your hard-earned money on real estate or to purchase a new home for your family here in the Philippines, BRIA Homes is one of the best places to look into! BRIA Homes primes itself on developing affordable house and lot packages and easy-on-the-pocket condominium units that cater to ordinary Filipino families who aspire to acquire their own homes. It had become the perfect choice for average Filipino workers who wanted to invest in a high-quality and affordable home. Visit www.bria.com.ph to reserve your very own Bria property today!

Read also: BRIA Homes Makes Homeownership Accessible to OFWs

Written by MC Sanchez

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How the NCR Wage Increase Empowers Filipinos to Save, Budget, and Invest

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Filipino heroism

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) have been hailed as the new generation of “heroes” of the Philippines. Leaving the motherland to pursue a livelihood that will sustain their families and a better quality of life is, rightfully, seen as a sacrifice of heroic proportions. I honor them, the nation salutes them.

According to the report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released in December 2022, the number of OFW’s who worked abroad at anytime during the period April to September 2021 was estimated at 1.83 million. In 2019, the number of OFW’s was placed at 2.18 million.  With the re-opening of the global economy and international borders, it can be expected that the number of OFW’s should have risen in 2022.

Underscoring the personal sacrifice of OFW’s is their economic heft. In a news report citing a study by Fitch Solutions, it was cited that remittances by OFW’s over the past decade have accounted for about 10% of the country’s GDP. Even in times of crisis, remittances have been inelastic.

Case in point would be the recent pandemic. In 2019, remittances were reported at US$33.47 billion. 2020 saw the worst of COVID with the number of OFW’s shrinking from 2.18 million to 1.77 million due to repatriations resulting from the global economic halt. Even so, OFW remittances dipped only ever so slightly to US$33.19 billion. This shows that tenacity of OFW’s in caring for family during good times or bad. With the return of economic activity in 2021, remittances rose to US$34.88 billion and then even more to US$36.14 billion in 2022. OFW remittances of Filipinos are the fourth largest in the world following India, China and Mexico.

Truly, the impact of these remittances cannot be emphasized enough. With remittances accounting for 10% of GDP, that would almost be equivalent to the contribution of the entire agricultural sector. In 2022, agriculture contributed around 9% to economic activity in the country. Perhaps, this is also a reason why the Philippine economy is driven in large part by domestic consumption, with remittances financing a significant portion of consumer spending.

In the automotive industry – as I suppose in many other industries as well – the level of OFW remittances are used as a major input in projecting sales of new vehicles. As remittances go, so does the auto market. In the last 10 years, remittances have been rising year-on-year from US$21.39 billion in 2012 to $36.14 billion last year. This generally mirrors the growth of automotive sales and the rise of motorization. except the aberrations of 2017 due to tax changes and, of course, COVID.

I think we can do a better job of caring for our OFW’s. Not simply because of their economic value but, more importantly, because it is government’s responsibility to care for Filipinos everywhere. Horror stories abound about abuses by foreign employers, especially of the physical and emotional kind. Tales are also rampant about wages being withheld or not being paid on time or in full. Reports of these nature are really sad to hear.

I was heartened by the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in February, 2022 which is now headed by Secretary Susan Ople. The DMW was established to increase the amount of support OFW’s should receive and to speed up the delivery of services to them, as well as to bring together all of their agencies and inter-agencies with a mandate to protect and promote OFWs. Given the significant contributions and value of OFW’s to the country, they truly deserve a government agency exclusively dedicated to their welfare.

Outside of caring for OFW’s while they are deployed, I hope that the DMW can also enhance their efforts in making applications for overseas deployment less complex. It would be nice, for example, to have “one-stop” windows instead of having to shuttle between numerous windows to process their requirements. Also, online counselling can be strengthened to reduce going back and forth. And, critically, cutting out unscrupulous placement agencies and fixers must be vigorously pursued. Perhaps, these are already the case. I hope.

For me, though, the most important support we should provide OFW’s is a re-entry strategy for when they are ready to come back home and take their righful place with their family. Financial management counselling is a practical way of preparing OFW’s to assure that they can provide for themselves. We can also make available upskilling opportunities – even while they are abroad – so their repatriation can be more seamless. And, we should provide a support system that gives back to our OFW’s for their sacrifice – health care, social security, housing, etc…

I was an OFW myself, working overseas for almost two decades. I was proud to be carrying the flag of the Philippines and even prouder now that I am back home.

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