Wherever we are away from our families back home, we always think about them. We remain part of their lives, and whatever good life we are experiencing abroad, we want to share those blessings with the families we’ve left behind.
It’s part of the culture; it’s a family-centred existence in our home country.
Our family comes first in high or low waters; our family is everything.
Although we are far from the Philippines and live in different parts of the world, we always consider our families’ needs and problems. We send them money to help them with household expenses, like the tuition of our siblings and children, and in times of crisis and natural calamities, even some friends and other relatives ask for our help.
Most especially in times of emergency, when someone gets hospitalized, has an accident, or dies, they need our help more.
Our relatives use these transfers to buy homes or finance their little businesses.
So, by all means, we have to work doubly hard. We cannot afford to relax, knowing that we are the lifeline of our relatives and friends when some unfortunate things befall them.
Doubtless, it’s a real struggle for our families to survive and meet their daily basic needs. In short, they need some helping hands from us living abroad.
One time, while I was having my lunch at the Kapitbahay restaurant, I saw a long line of our Kababayans sending money through the Western Union remittance center operated by the eatery.
Some of them send their money before or after their meals, but either way, what is foremost in their minds are families and relatives needing their monetary assistance.
Most Filipinos sending money back home are not only Pinoys who have become Canadian citizens or permanent immigrants but also former students and tourists who have temporary work permits.
While I was in the restaurant, I interviewed Harold Ian Nang. He came to Toronto in 2019, and he has three children, aged 24, 22, and 4, who are still in the Philippines. He used to work as a family driver in Saudi Arabia. Through his brother’s sponsorship, he came to Canada and now works in an insulation job.
“ Every two weeks, I send $ 900 to my children”, Harold said.
Annabelle Tapel told me that when she got approved to move to Canada, she brought two of her young children, but the other three were left behind because they were overaged.
“ I send them P20,000 monthly for their tuition and other needs,” Annabelle said.
Our relatives are happy with our help, and it’s as simple as ABC to get these money transfers. Show your tracking number and that your money is in your hands.
There is a little drawback to this money remittance: It creates a culture of dependency in which people, instead of looking for jobs to earn their keep, rely on the money sent to them.
Some of our kababayans receiving this remittance help have developed a sense of pride about it, which has made those who are not receiving any envious.
But always remember that money remittances require sacrifices and hard work—sometimes, we have to deny ourselves some of life’s conveniences to have some savings.
And please, spend the money we sent you wisely!