Appeal to the families of OFWs from Japan

Because of lack of time and perhaps lack of knowledge about its numerous problems, Congress in a joint resolution decided to extend the Comprehensive Land Reform Program (CARP) for six months. Obviously the hunger strike and all those dramatics that are the daily fare for leftist or militant farmers (now they include bishops) have triggered Congress to grant this six-month extension. But whether this is a good decision, only time will tell.

CARP as a program hasn’t transformed the Philippine countryside despite its noble goals. Thanks again to widespread corruption, the people who truly need to till the land still do not get the land they deserve. But those who have the right connections or pay a handsome bribe get lands from legitimate landowners, who have been rendered landless by CARP. So where is justice here? Let’s have CARP with justice or none at all!

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I first met Cebuano priest Fr. Joseph “Jack” Serate in Narita three weeks ago and he was elated to know that I could help him disseminate information about his parishioners at the Saitama Diocese in central Japan, most of whom are Filipinos who work in the entertainment industry, a.k.a. Japayukis. With Japan in recession, this Christmas season could be bleak for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), so Fr. Jack asked me to print his appeal to the families of the OFWs especially from Japan. Here’s his letter in full:

“Dear Mr. Bobit Avila, Thank you so much for accommodating my letter of appeal to the families of my fellow OFWs. I would like to appeal to the families of the OFWs to please value and save every cent that their OFW relatives send to them. The money they send comes from the sweat of their brow and sacrifices. They didn’t mind their homesickness and hardships as long they can earn money to be sent to their loved ones back home.

“Here in my mission area in Saitama, Japan, a lot of Filipino workers were laid off from their jobs due to the global recession. Some Filipinos came to me crying uncontrollably because their families scolded them when they said that they could not send money this Christmas because they had been laid off from their work since September yet. And it’s very difficult to find a new job because a lot of factories and companies closed down. I’m very disturbed and saddened by the callousness of some families who do not understand their situation.

“I’m scared that these OFWs might resort to illegal means to earn money due to pressures from their families. I appeal to their families on bended knees to please understand the situation of their OFW relatives not only in Japan but other OFWs scattered around the world. Instead of pressuring them to send money, they should support, comfort and pray for them during these difficult times. We should not lose hope because God is always with us. God bless us all. In the service of the Lord, Fr. Jack Serate, OFM”

What I learned from my visit to Japan when I had a long lunch with Fr. Jack was that, as a Filipino parish priest, he actually doubles as an unpaid functionary of the Philippine Consulate, especially when Filipinos who lose or have their passports expired come to him, often in tears asking him what he can do to help with their problems. No sir, Filipino priests abroad just don’t do pastoral care for their flock like caring for their troubled souls by giving them the sacrament of confession, but also go out of their way to be a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on when Filipinos are in dire need of help.

When I read this letter, I was aghast to learn that the families of these OFWs cannot even give moral support to a family member who sacrifices for them. The reality of a recession means the closure of businesses, as the employers of these OFWs are affected. Naturally when these people can no longer afford to hire Filipinos, they have to let them go. But instead of going home, I learned that many OFWs would rather stay in their host country, lest they get the ire of their families. More so in this Christmas season where many OFWs cannot fulfill that famous Filipino tradition of bringing “pasalubongs” to their loved ones because they have none to give.

2009 is fast approaching and doomsayers are telling us that the Philippines would be affected by the global financial crisis in the coming year. So people are trying to save money for the proverbial rainy day. So like Fr. Jack Serate, allow me to make my own personal appeal to the families of OFWs for greater understanding, patience and above all love for those members of their families who work hard in a lonely place so that they can live comfortably here at home. Now is the time for you to give back something to them by not pressuring them or demanding something they may not be able to deliver. More important of all, show them you love them!

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For e-mail responses to this article, write to [email protected]. Bobit Avila’s columns can also be accessed through www.philstar.com. He also hosts a weekly talkshow, “Straight from the Sky,” every Monday, 8 p.m., only in Metro Cebu on Channel 15 of SkyCable.