OFW's positive values

KUWAIT — We’ve heard of many bad things about Filipinos, including OFWs, of many undesirable behavior in foreign setting. Rather than focus on their so-called “Talangka Mentality”, their “Gaya-gaya system”, their “Bahala na philosophy”, we choose to showcase our “Pagmamalasakit”, our “Bayanihan system”, our “Pananagutan” and our innate “Pagka-maka Diyos, makabansa, maka-likasan and makatao”. Filipinos show a lot of positive values that we should all be proud of.

These values are well demonstrated in the foreign setting, by our OFWs who manifest the finest character of the Filipinos by their hard work, perseverance, excellent inter-personal relations and God-centeredness, patriotism and humane compassion for fellowmen. As Labor Attaché who has been sent here in one of the most difficult foreign labor post, I can say without fear of contradiction, that the OFWs are indeed worth fighting for.

“Pagmamalasakit”

The OFWs left their comfort zones at home in order to find some means to alleviate the economic conditions of their loved ones. They accept the inevitability of homesickness and even depression, just to earn enough dollars to help their loved ones. This is the most telling example of pagmamalasakit giving up ones own comfort and pleasures in order to achieve a higher purpose for others.

Perhaps, there are no other nationals who are willing and capable of such self sacrifice. I have met Lebanese, Egyptians, Indians, Pakistanis, Shri-Lankans, Bangladeshi and Indonesians who are also working here in Kuwait. Their labor Attaches are my peers and colleagues in the diplomatic service. But in our interactions and discussions we have always been extolling the nobility of OFWs. The anecdotal evidence and actual empirical data are simply indubitable.

“Bayanihan Spirit”

In times of crises, when the going gets rough and tough, when a ‘kabayan’ is down and out, when there is an emergency, the best and the finest of the Filipinos would emerge. When somebody dies and there is no money with which to repatriate the remains, when one is dismissed illegally by a stupid employer, or when a fellow Filipino meets an accident and there is a need for surgery or major medical procedure, the good and the beautiful in the soul of the Filipino surfaces spontaneously and selflessly.

I have proven these in many incidents that call for collective action. You don’t have to prod the OFWs to lend a helping hand to others. They are intrinsically and naturally generous and compassionate. Although in good times, Filipino are prone to collide and show “crab mentality” but in bad ttimes they come together, suffer together and cope together.

“Maka-Diyos, Maka-Bansa, Maka-Tao”

Whether Christian or Muslim, Catholic, Protestant or Iglesia Ni Kristo, JIL or El Shaddai Filipinos are essentially God-loving and God-fearing. They are very serious in their rituals and solemnities. They are very passionate in their prayer meetings, bible studies and healing sessions. And their religiosity does not end in praying. They do outreach programs and actual charitable works.

The Filipinos are also nationalistic and patriotic. They take their Independence Day celebrations seriously. They proudly wear the national custome and showcase Filipino songs and dances before foreign audience. Lastly, Filipino are pro-life, pro-people, pro-“masa”. They love the underdog and truly believe that the Filipinos, especially the OFWs, are worth dying for. It is high time that we should really show to all and sundry, that we are truly proud of our people, especially the OFWs. Mabuhay!

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