Wake Up Call for OFWs

Last June 16, I read an article from Arab News titled “Imagine a world without Filipinos.” While reading the article, I was impressed by the words the writer used to describe the work ethic of Filipino workers. The sentence, “They are known for their professionalism and the quality of their work,” made me realize many things.

If Filipinos are considered good workers in other countries, why is it that the Philippines is still relatively poor despite having a large population of hardworking citizens working abroad? Does this suggest that the people running the Philippine government are not performing professionally enough to significantly improve the lives of Filipinos?

If Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are truly considered modern-day heroes, why do many of them feel unsafe when dealing with crime risks back home in the Philippines? Some people argue that the “hero” label is more symbolic than literal. OFWs work abroad primarily to support their families, not necessarily to serve the country in a political or public sense.

The article from Arab News serves as a wake-up call for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), reminding them of their potential role in helping improve conditions in the Philippines and the lives of Filipinos. OFWs do not want to remain dependent on opportunities abroad indefinitely. Instead, they may consider how they can contribute to their home country and eventually return to serve their fellow Filipinos. OFWs should continue demonstrating to the world that they can help bring positive change to the country and improve the global image of Filipinos.