Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) heroes or not? What can you say?
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
Philippines
October 9, 2012 11:53pm CST
Hi! mylot friends,I like to share with you this, one day my daughter and i were discussing about the news on the internet that there is a survey saying that the Philippines is considered already a "Tiger in Asia" in terms of economy. My daughter asked, how the Philippines improved its economy and i said one is from the overseas workers that is why they are called the "modern day heroes" by the media and the government. Another maybe is the mushrooming of call centers which helped the Philippine government provide work to most of the Filipinos.
My daughter reacted saying that, she does not agree that OFWs are heroes. For the following reasons: OFWs went out of the country for better opportunities, greener pasture to provide their family better life and future, second OFWs really have to remit money to their families so that they can have what they need to live in this country, so the purpose of being OFW is primarily for their own good. According to her, the real heroes are those who chose to work and stay in this country to serve their countrymen. Like teachers, nurses, doctors who are working here despite the difficulties in life. "Like you mama", she said "you are working in a Non-Government Organization serving your fellow women by providing reproductive health care with only a small salary. You are my hero." I was touched with her statement but what kept me thinking was her personal opinion on our topic.
I think she is right. What do you think?
4 people like this
10 responses
@berting600 (3453)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
Friend your daughter was right about nationalistic fervor in her views that you are and other Filipinos who works here very hard,but only earn so little.Our income is not as enormous in terms of overall payment of taxes to our government,unlike the income of overseas contract worker when remitted to our banks,were converted in peso,
that it was more having to pay more taxes.If all the overseas contract workers remit
every end of the month their salaries,does this help our economy to propel because the income tax collected from these remittances really is more than enough to make a project made by the government to finance a project.Now,what do you think about my observations towards this?We are still heroes in our own right that we still work in our country,but are our income appropriate to pay such projects made by the government to finance such projects.Is it not that we needed some private
individuals help to make the project to surface?I do not think so I am not telling you a wrong observation,as I think you also observed that in the making of such projects.
1 person likes this
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
Hi Berting, you are right in that perspective, OFWs really helps a lot in improving our economy and with that we should acknowledge them. Well, i think, my daughter has just seen the situation in a different angle. She has a different interpretation of what the word hero means. You know sometimes she is quite idealistic in her perception of things related to our country and other social issues.
Thank you so much for sharing your view.
1 person likes this
@berting600 (3453)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
I just realized that your daughter is still right in her being heraldic.I was once
an OFW,and my taxes collected every year when I reported to our office to claim my
yearly tax rebates,and my one year salary would be claimed minus my taxes.The amount was big enough,so was my homecoming money,which were given to my and to all foreign workers who are permitted to go home,with free flight expenses from the company.We are given this free vacation as one of our company incentives so that we will go back and still work in their company.
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
That's nice,and really a big help to your family. A very good incentive to all OFWs. Lucky you, some does not have that kind of benefits. I wish all overseas employers will do the same.
1 person likes this
@Ivy_Bubbles (169)
•
11 Oct 12
I have to agree with your daughter. We only tagged the OFWs as a modern-day heroes because they are sacrificing their time for their family just to earn money for them. At the same time, their remittances help our economy. The downside of it though is when, as the result of being away, they no longer keep a healthy relationship with each other as presence can be a strong force in keeping it strong. Sadly, there are broken families because of this situation.
The professionals like the ones you mentioned are also heroes as much as the OFWs. They chose to serve their countrymen and their country. They help in nation-building.
1 person likes this
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Yes, if we really analyze my daughter's view she is right. No one goes out of the country to work because they want to help our country. They want to help their family because they could not have a job that would pay them enough to support their families. Most of the OFWs could even provide more for their families to enjoy some luxuries. Although we could not deny that with their remittances and taxes they help improve our economy. Thanks a lot Ivy for sharing your opinion. Good day.
@julyteen (13252)
• Davao, Philippines
14 Oct 12
I respect your daughter points of view. That ideas come to a person who don't know what is the life of OFW outside our country. If she try to work abroad, maybe she will change her mind. It's not easy to work away from your family. You should fight your feelings not to missed your families which is not possible anytime. 
Do you think all OFW have higher salary compared to people working in our country? Imagine the life of DH, especially those working within Middle East. Their salary range from 9,000 pesos to 12,000 pesos only. They are work more than 12 hours a day. Sometimes no days off. Can you imagine their terrible life? Which is better being a teacher which you only talk for the whole day or a DH which you did all positions for the whole day and your salary cost only 12,000 and sleep until 11pm in the evening and wake up early as 3am in the morning. I am OFW for 2 years in Middle East. 
Although I have a good position but I am worried about our DH and those who assigned in construction sites that the weather temperature will reached up to 55 degrees centigrade. Imagine yourself working that environment.
Do you think all OFW have higher salary compared to people working in our country? Imagine the life of DH, especially those working within Middle East. Their salary range from 9,000 pesos to 12,000 pesos only. They are work more than 12 hours a day. Sometimes no days off. Can you imagine their terrible life? Which is better being a teacher which you only talk for the whole day or a DH which you did all positions for the whole day and your salary cost only 12,000 and sleep until 11pm in the evening and wake up early as 3am in the morning. I am OFW for 2 years in Middle East.
Although I have a good position but I am worried about our DH and those who assigned in construction sites that the weather temperature will reached up to 55 degrees centigrade. Imagine yourself working that environment.1 person likes this
@JijiXcebu (129)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
It really depends on the way you look at it. In a much general point of view, the OFWs are contributing to the country's economy with their income and taxes and all that. It's really up to the government on how the money is being used and I for one don't know how the whole government works in terms of economy and all. But yeah, OFWs are considered heroes in their family's and community's eyes. It's not easy being an OFW for sure.
And about that last part you mentioned, actually..... when it boils down to it. Everyone is working to provide for their family. That government worker you mentioned is working to provide for his family. It's all that really matters really. As long as you love what your doing, it will always boil down to providing for your family.
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Well, in reality, the main reason why they went abroad is for the good if their family. Paying taxes and sending remittances to their families here is a must anywhere we are, abroad or not abroad. It is only more difficult working abroad because they have to sacrifice being away from their loved ones. In one way or another we are all heroes as long as we are good Filipino citizens.
@riyauro (6421)
• India
11 Oct 12
I am not a phil bit I can say that whatever happens, happens for good. Your daughter is right in what she said. In my opinion, If the OFWs would not go overseas to work there would be more people without job. Maybe there would have been somebody else in your place. I am sure those who work abroad are well educated people and they would have taken over the good jobs. So when they are gone, there are others who are filling their place. this is life. So whatever happens, happens for good. I am glad that your country is doing very good compared to years before. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day ahead. 
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Yes riyauro, at least they have job that they help ease the government problem of unemployment. I could say that the rate of unemployment here in my country have already decreased because of investors from other countries. But there are still other Filipinos who seek work abroad.
Thank you so much, your opinion is very much welcome.
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
for me those who continue to support their families here are still heroes compared to illegal recruiters who are here, but deceive and prey on their fellowmen. same with corrupt people in government/elected officials. it's not where you are, it's what you're doing and if you're taking advantage of others. at least, those who are overseas are doing something to improve their condition, instead of waiting for government to help them or resorting to criminal acts. we are all heroes in our own way.
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
I agree, we are heroes in our own little ways.I don't also consider elected government officials heroes, because they are in politics because they are using us for their personal intentions. They are the one's enjoying from the taxes we are paying, with their huge allowances and privileges. Some employees too of government offices take advantage of ordinary citizens by receiving big salaries, incentives and lavish benefits. They are like leeches that sucks blood from their fellowmen.
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
we don't even have to look at the big fish. can shabu labs be set up without connivance with locals? what about the fake call center with more than 300 foreign nationals rounded up? it's all about taking advantage of other people. you're not that different from hold-uppers, snatchers, etc.
anyway, it's the same with patriotism/nationalism. i hate those who preach and criticize from afar or while they're here on vacation. shut up or help. if you don't want to help your family and relatives, then help other disadvantaged people like sponsoring scholars, having medical missions, teaching skills. that will give significance to whatever success you earned.
@silverfox09 (4708)
• United States
11 Oct 12
Your daughter is absolutely right , a lot of people from my home country leave not because they want to go over seas and do minimum or under the table jobs . They leave because the want a better opportunity for their family and love ones .
I also think the people that remain are the real heroes that help to keep the country up . On the other hand I do consider anyone willing to do what it takes for their children and love ones are also hero . So if they chose to go over seas and work and provide for their family they are also hero . Some of those people also contribute to the economy because they send their money back to their home country .
A lot of people from my country go to America , while a lot of Chinese come to my country and they also send back money to china .
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Hi silverfox, im so delighted to read your response. Well, that's the way it is. We are all heroes in our own little way. Thanks a lot.
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
In a way yes, but primarily its a sacrifice for their family and definitely not for their country. Thanks a lot and good day friend.
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
10 Oct 12
Hi triplejazz! Personally, I would like to agree with your daughter on her conclusion and belief that those who work within the country are heroes. But remember that it does not prevent others from becoming heroes in other ways. What I mean is that we can all be a hero in our own little ways. You may explain to her that both those who work in other countries and those who chose to work in our country are heroes because we are helping the government in one way or another.
We are lucky if we can find a better job in our country where we can work and be with our family at the same time, right? While the OFWs are working hard together with the fact that they are suffering from being far from they family.
I once work outside the country so I know the feeling.
Have a nice day!
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
10 Oct 12
Yes, i think so too. In the other hand i think she is right. She looked into the intention of the person of working abroad. Some of my siblings are also OFWs so i know how you all feel as well how we feel being left here in our country. That is why for me, they also deserve recognition.
Thanks a lot Aries for presenting a different angle on this topic.
