ONE OF the sectors severely hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is labor, and specifically our overseas Filipino workers.
Many parts of the world are experiencing economic slowdown due to the pandemic and some form of crisis such as wars or internal conflicts.
OFWs jobs are not secure. Thousands of displaced OFWs have already returned to the country last year and many more will return this year. We should be prepared with alternative employment for them.
It makes sense to have a government department that concentrates on overseas Filipino workers. Right now we have several government agencies pertaining to them but are scattered under various departments. As “modern heroes” our workers abroad help our economy tremendously by sending in dollar remittances that reach billions each year. They deserve full government attention.
OFWs who are displaced and are returning home could either be undocumented, victims of illegal recruiters, abused by their foreign employers or whose work permits/visas had already expired, or displaced due to problems besetting their host countries. They deserve help.
The government should put in place a permanent and proactive contingency measures involving so-called safety nets for OFWs. As has been the case most of the time, the government only acts when there is a problem or crisis. This is wrong. It should be proactive, not reactive. At any given time, there are OFWs that need assistance, thus our efforts should be non-stop. Our support should also be speedy and should not get caught up in red tape.
There must be an efficient reintegration plan for repatriated or returning OFWs. It should include helping them save, invest and engage in business ventures that would translate their hard-earned money into economic gains of the country and to create a new generation of overseas Filipino investors.
In the end, job creation remains crucial not only in addressing the requirement of returning OFWs but to meet long-term goals of lasting economic growth and development. It is this lack of jobs and opportunities at home that drives Filipinos to seek greener pastures abroad.
