OFWs in the news

First, the good news about our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). For the first half of 2005, our OFWs once again brought into this country about US$5.7 B. Whatever will happen to the Philippines without our OFWs?

Our OFWs, however, do not want to be remembered only for their remittances. Some lament the fact that the dependence of their families on their remittances seems endless. In much-awaited letters or phone calls, rather than being asked about how they are, if they are well and in good health, often the earlier news that reach them are problems, problems, and problems. Often, the problems are financial. " We have to pay the children's tuition, our house amortization is due, a mother fell ill and had to be hospitalized and then the bills will have to be paid," and the litany of financial problems go on and on.

Our OFWs also decry the double standard of government officials who remember them as heroes because of their remittances but who forget them otherwise when it is the turn of our OFWs to request for help.

And their cries for help are always there. How many of them are heard and get help? That is a topic worth finding out in a research or survey. Our OFWs want to be remembered and treated as whole human beings when they leave their homes for sea or land-based occupations abroad. They do not want merely to be remembered as workers or economic beings or as milking cows of families and countries.

So far, the news of our OFWs in Singapore involved in some murder incident as well as another one in UAE show that government assistance, although delayed, came. It was heartening to see that the local government officials responded earlier than the national government. Those who assist our OFWs at any time they need assistance abroad and those also assist the families of the OFWs left behind in our country deserve much commendation.

Our seafarers are being honored during this National Maritime Week. According to an invitation from Fr. Roland Doriol, S.J. of the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS-Cebu), today, September 25, the 10th National Seafarers' Day will be observed simultaneously in the various ports throughout the Philippines and in Cebu. In cooperation with maritime government agencies and private companies, the celebration "aims to recognize, thank, encourage, and remember the sacrifices and national contribution of our Filipino seafarers."

The special day expects "guests from the different maritime government agencies, maritime schools, maritime review and training centers, shipping companies, together with seafarers and their families as well as members from mass media." We wonder if the port community residents have also been invited to the affair as they are considered as seafarers as defined by the late Pope John Paul II.

Fr. Roland extends the invitation for all "to join the Wreath Laying Ceremony on board the ferryboat Carmen Uno. Boarding starts at 6:30 am at the Supercat Terminal at Pier 4 of Cebu City Port. The ferryboat will leave at exactly 7:30 am for Lapulapu City where a short procession will commence from the Metro Ferry Terminal. At 9:30 am, Bishop Emilio Bataclan will lead the Holy Mass at the Lapulapu City Auditorium. A Recognition Program as well as mini-orientation sessions on para-legal, OWWA, and Pag-ibig Programs, HIV/AIDS awareness and Livelihood Opportunity will follow. There will also be a medical/dental/optical mission from 8 am to 12 noon. Back at the Stella Maris Seafarers Center, volleyball and basketball friendship games will be held in the afternoon."

We are sure the seafarers and their families will enjoy this day meant for them. However, how the OFWs would love to be treated as modern heroes each day, not only once during each year! How the OFWs would love to have their cries and woes attended to more often, not just once a year! How the OFWs would love to be remembered each day, not only once annually by those who truly care!