Part IV and Conclusion:
The Ultimate Sacrifice and the Future
By Wilma Gonzales Buenaobra
The advent of Overseas Filipino Workers (or OFWs) came about during the downward spiral of the Philippine economy of the ‘70s. A foreign journalist observed, “the Filipinos were robbed blind.”
It is not a stretch of the imagination to say that the blood, sweat, and tears of foreign hands built the entire middle eastern metropolis, including the world’s tallest building and famed Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Thanks to all the foreign nationals, most especially the Filipinos, who came to make the barren middle eastern desserts outpace other modern cities such as Paris, New York, Tokyo, and so forth. Without these people, none of these would have happened, that is the honest truth. OFWs played a big part of these amazing feat that happened in a short span of time.
To illustrate this point, after the Gulf War (1990-91), which started with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait; the latter was completely destroyed down to the dessert ground. But like magic, Kuwait was rebuilt in five years. Thanks to the availability of foreign labor. That is how together with abundant oil money and foreign labor from all countries — skilled urban planners, engineers, and architects, down to the lowest paid construction worker can make the impossible happen.
The OFWs ultimate sacrifice
Now that most OFWs are at an age to retire, albeit many have actually retired, they look forward to returning to their homeland, the Philippines, for some serious R&R. As the years went by, OFWs, especially if both parents work in the same country, were able to bring over, educate, and raise their children in middle eastern countries. The latter have opened a visa enabling workers to bring their families over. However, there is still no provision for permanent residency, nor citizenship, no matter how long one has worked and served them.
What faces the OFWs who have left their homeland for their families and in the process, saved their country from certain economic disaster? What is the ultimate sacrifice? Their children did not grow up with them. They lost the joy of seeing their kids take the first step. They did not hear them utter their first words, nor were they around to see them off on their first day of school. Many birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations have likewise been missed. The fact is their prolonged absence has eroded the familial bond and traditional respect for parents, is sad. To sum up the relationship, the OFW parent is now linked to his/her children and spouses, merely via the ATM and other financial avenues. Similarly, homes have been broken due to the absence of one party. Often, loneliness brought about, in many instances, illicit affairs. Affairs that have forged a new relationship and resulted in children, both overseas and back home. It is fine if both parties worked overseas whilst being single because they found love in their place of work. Unfortunately, it is not always the case.
Another lamentable fact is a new generation of materially oriented and entitled people have emerged in the Philippine culture. True, while the administration, led by the then First Lady, cultivated the ‘designer or branded culture,’ regular remittances from OFWs lavished their children with material goods. Unfortunately, this did not foster values such as respect to their elders, patience, sacrifice, resilience, and especially hard work. Lacking parental guidance, all depended on the parent, grandparents, aunts, and uncles to fill the gap in the absence of the OFWs. Many were ill-equipped to handle that role, especially if they too have their own to look after.
The economic benefit is definitely enormous, but so was the sacrifice that came with it. Many children and siblings who valued the sacrifice of their OFWs finished their degrees. Many have gone on to work overseas as well, as that is the only viable option.
The Future of the OFWs
One of the many endearing traits of Filipinos is their child-like trust, especially towards their relatives. And why not? Who could you trust best, if not you own flesh and blood? Isn’t ‘blood is thicker than water’? Even after many past sad outcomes, Filipinos still lend money without a note, or collateral; just on the basis of one’s word and acting ability. Ninety-five percent of the time, these debts never get paid.
Amongst Filipinos, there is this interesting mentality that prevails that — one should share their good fortune, to whoever wishes to have a part in it! Thus, there is not even a guilt of nonpayment of debts. People invest their hard-earned money with utmost trust in the words of the articulate. Sadly, many have lost in these promising ventures. Truth be said, it is a miracle if any one venture entered into advanced an OFWs lot. Too often, hearts have been broken over financial ventures that started with sweet promises but ended up in smoke.
Those who have saved to build their own houses to return to when they retire did not necessarily find a home! Many claims have been made by trusted people to take care of the house built, that ended in the hands of the trusted relatives! Citing that they have tenancy right (squatter rights) over the property. And thus, without any qualms have appropriated the same to themselves. People OFWs financially helped, went on to help themselves to whatever they have access to, not necessarily allocating funds appropriately.
Many more tears were and are shed by OFWs because they were taken advantaged of once again. All the years of hard work and very little, if any, to show for. Just like in the beginning when they were duped by unscrupulous employment agencies. The fight did not end.
Whilst the Middle East is now a thriving metropolis, many more will become OFWs in other parts of the world, albeit to a lesser degree. They too will join the bandwagon of concerned and selfless Filipinos who have opened the road globally. Through their positive attitude and exemplary service, the Filipino labor force is now much sought-after worldwide. This is particularly noteworthy, in the maritime industry, especially at leisure cruises. Most, if not all cruise ships are ably and cheerfully run by Filipino staffs.
Indeed, it is bittersweet. Many tears of joy were, however, also shed because not all families are greedy and unscrupulous. Not all spouses have gone astray. Some have remained loyal and faithfully raised their kids. Not all children are uncaring and wasted their parents’ hard work. They are now proudly gainfully employed. Added to all these, let us not forget the many parents who have enjoyed longer lives. And good health. Thanks to their OFW son or daughter made certain they received the surgery they needed and supported their health care. The blessings garnered by the OFWs both for their families and their country are numerous and cannot be summed up perfunctorily. There are many, many more stories that will remain untold. But will surely be etched deep in the hearts of OFWs and the compatriots who witnessed the sacrifices they made.
We sincerely congratulate the OFWs for their resilience and fortitude. Rest assured you will not be forgotten in the annals of Philippine history. What you have done is far greater than many of histories’ illustrious heroes who fought for a day. And because of you, we are proud to be Filipinos. You saved us from certain economic downfall and international embarrassment. Without you, we Filipinos would not have known how to get up and get out of poverty. Your optimism inspired many to get on with life boldly. Your sacrifices will always be remembered, and hopefully, by many, many more generations to come. And not just those whose lives you have touched.
“Talagang nabuhay and mga Pilipino dahil sa inyo!”
*****
