I received an invitation from Kenjee Solis to blog about this year’s PEBA theme. I don’t normally write about themed topics because I am not comfortable being constrained and restricted to the topic. The theme ‘Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation’ however, is very ironic that I think it merit my two cents of ‘binag-binag’.
‘Eyebrows down please’. Yes, walang taasan ng kilay ha? Being an OFW for almost a decade means I’ve seen the realities of life. It’s a known fact that most of OFW families ended up in broken homes. The reality is that distance really makes hearts forget. Filipino couples or at least one of the parent decides to work abroad and become OFW in order to support the growing needs of the family. Although the idea and intent of going abroad may be ideal but the realities are different. Temptations are everywhere and they’re like thief in the night, they’ll strike you when you’re vulnerable, when you’re lonely. We often see men or women engaging into elicit affairs and they ended up forgetting the reasons why they work abroad in the first place. That’s why I find this year’s theme ironic.
I think the only way that could strengthen the Filipino family is when our government decides to curtail the deployment of OFWs. Studies from various media and pressure groups showed that broken families are more prevalent in OFW families. Our country could not achieve stronger families when most of the OFW families are casualties of broken homes. You can’t blame the couples since if for example the husband works outside the country, he’ll only get to see his family once in every two years. He’ll only stay with his family for 30 to 60 days. That is not enough to rekindle the ties between husbands and wives and their children whose mode of communications are only through phone calls, SMS and internet access. The worst thing is when the husband will only be viewed by his wife and children as the source of money (provider) and not as a parent.
So, can our government in the short term stop sending its people abroad? I guess not because of the impact that our OFWs contribute to the Philippine economy. In the absence of quality goods for export they (our government) think that exporting its people instead is best the short term solution. Ever wonder why we were never affected the economic crisis that hit the world? It’s because of the billions of dollars sent by OFWs and that sustained us.
6 comments:
i received same mail, and i support them.
I saw different emotions, from love ones when depart or arrive at airports.
The best way for the govt is to allow ofw to go home once a year paid by employers.Not two or three years. it should be in poea laws.
or if an ofw leaves, bitbit n niya buong pamilya niya.Kung maari.
Hirap ung hiwalay, stressed out n sa bagong kultura ng bagong bansa, stressed pa sa homesick.
In KSA, those whose job categories are professionals have yearly paid vacation and are on married status (which means they can bring their families with them). Kaso, not if you're on a labor category, you'll probably have 2 years contract (which means 45-60 days vacation every two years). Yon na nga, kahit ano pang financial rewards ang makakamit being OFW, there is a price that all should pay.
Thanks for the ironic theme, napansin mo din ako, hehehe. Thanks a lot Braggito. We are seeing the same problem, and because we admit that there will be no stopping for the work overseas, we decided at PEBA to somehow focus the government's resources or earnings from OFW's in helping solidify families. Perhaps, say, a bill in the Congress and Senate that if a househould have one OFW working abroad, internet connection is 50% cheaper, or that Cellphone calls is 50% off to OFW'a around the world. Anyway, thanks again.
Better sali ka na lang sa PEBA and help us find a solutions or create programs.
@Kenjie
Thanks for the invitation.
Honestly, you're one that I'm hoping would join PEBA 2010. You have your voice and you don't go with the tide. I like you for that.
Our famiy ties are strong. Hindi ko nga lang maintindihan why Filipino, when they go abroad, lower their morals. I believe married people should revisit their marriage vows. I may sound archaic in saying this but I think if married couples don't put God in the center of their marriage, the vow will bound to be broken.
masaya ito at itoy para sa pamilyang pilipino! mabuhay ang PEBA 2010!
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