ANOTHER overseas Filipino worker – a woman from Dumarao, Capiz – was found dead. According to initial reports from Pakistan, her body had bruises and fractures on the neck and a shoulder. Was she murdered? An investigation is ongoing. Philippine authorities must get down to the bottom of this case.
Our OFWs are instrumental in propping up our economy year in year out through their remittances. It is but fair to extend support to them when they need it. For example, it makes sense to have a government department that concentrates on OFWs. Right now we have several government agencies pertaining to them but are scattered under various departments. It’s chaotic.
In creating this new department, however, the government must not forget OFWs who are displaced and are returning home. They 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, too, 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.
Many parts of the world are experiencing economic slowdown and some form of crisis. OFWs’ jobs are thus not secure. We should always be prepared with alternative employment for them.
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.
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. 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.
