Today is a special day for the sector that accounts for a significant chunk of national production: overseas Filipino workers. In 2000, the United Nations proclaimed Dec. 8 as International Migrants Day – the date in 1990 when the UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
With the Philippines being one of the world’s biggest sources of migrant workers, it was fitting that the first event to mark the special day was held at the UN office in Manila. Adherence to the international convention, however, is spotty around the world. Since the convention was adopted, there has been a steady stream of stories about OFWs suffering from labor exploitation and various forms of physical, sexual and psychological abuse in their host countries.
The horror stories have not stopped the continuing departure of Filipinos for greener pastures abroad. An estimated 10 million Filipinos – a tenth of the population – are now working in almost all countries and nearly every commercial ship around the world. OFWs have been credited for the boom in Philippine retailing and real estate. With the OFWs remitting billions annually to their loved ones in the Philippines, the government has moved to improve protection for them.
As important as promoting the welfare of Filipinos overseas, however, is creating an environment that will entice them to return to their own land. This means creating livelihood opportunities and luring investments that will generate meaningful jobs. Business process outsourcing has opened such opportunities, but more can be done to encourage manufacturing and boost the travel industry.
There are several other sectors with a wide room for growth and possibilities for creating decent jobs. Several countries will renew their commitment to protect migrant workers on this special day, recognizing that the workers can contribute to national progress. The Philippines – a top exporter of human resources – can mark the special day by strengthening its resolve to make it unnecessary for most Filipinos to leave home for better opportunities overseas.