Overseas Filipino Workers: Partners for Philippine Progress
By Dong Bonite
Peace and progress are probably the most elusive goals in the social and political life of people in all parts of the world. Building relationships between and among nations, regions, communities and individuals and the alleviation of the lives of the people from the perennial problem of poverty remain an extremely complex and difficult problem. The issue of peace not only in the Philippines but all over the world is so complex that no ordinary man in the street can comprehend it fully. Solutions to it cannot just be simplistic. The problem of terrorism is closely linked with the problem of poverty. They are the two faces of the same coin. These two problems are so gargantuan that progress is seemed too impossible to attain.
The Philippine contemporary scene reflects a general picture of gloom. Crime, corruptions, apathy and poverty are dark deadly clouds that constantly hover our land. Crime is still a big black shroud that envelops the already stricken archipelago. Apathy, ‘the what do I care’ attitude has continued to control and paralyze the minds of the Filipino citizens. Poverty stares us in the face wherever we are whether in the barrios or in the cities.
These are the economic and social problems that confront us. But these problems are not just the responsibilities to solve of the Philippine Government. They are not just the problems of the President nor her Cabinet Members alone. They are problems too of the members of the opposition, of the Church, of any civic organization. They are problems of ALL Filipinos.
These problems are critical that need to be urgently addressed, seriously studied and given appropriate solution. If left unresolved for long we might just wake up someday to find our country dismembered and in the state of irremediable chaos.
Faced with the grim and threatening scenario, how can each Filipino contribute a grain of sand to the solution to the problems of Herculian magnitude? How can an ordinary citizen, living in the country or abroad share a hand to work for the progress of their native land? More importantly, how can the Overseas Workers, indeed generously continue to serve their country and help solve the problems of their fellowmen?
The present economic and political crises are seriously affecting not just the families of the OFWs but all Filipinos. The crises seriously affect the stability of our economy. They are going to affect our future. We cannot afford to be fence sitters. The OFWs are already contributing a lot to the economy of our country? But I believe there are still a lot they can do to improve the situations of the country.
Progress and nation building will be eternally elusive unless all the Filipino people unite to work for it. Progress depends on cooperation and on actual and real nationalistic and patriotic acts. Unity of all Filipinos, intense dedication, honesty of purpose and true patriotic deeds are the most effective tools that an OFW can harness to help his country.
The OFWs can do better than just remitting their earnings to their homeland and thus help our country’s economy. The OFWs can be heroes of government and public life who can work with the highest degree of integrity and sincerity. They can become leaders and exemplars abroad of the important moral values. They are heroes because despite difficulties and the pains of loneliness for being separated from their loved ones, they can commit themselves to the most honorable way of life and labor.
The OFWs are heroes in their own professions. They are the men and women of science and technology, of art and culture who are willing to share their skills and knowledge not just to improve the lives of their families but the lives of his fellow country men. More important of all, they can work for a far higher skills and values; they can work with utmost dedication and commitment to their jobs; they work with utmost care and concern for everyone.
The OFWs are excellent workers and effective partners for progress because they are men and women who can bridge the communication gap and contribute for peace building between his country and the country where they work. They are effective builders of goodwill and unity that cannot be destroyed.
The OFWs can unite to be active partners of the government to hasten economic revovery. Together, they can rally for peaceful solutions to the problems of peace in Mindanao by urging negotiators to go back to the negotiating table and opt for peace instead of war.
It is about time to raise the status and to put on a higher pedestal our OFWs. For so long now, their efforts and contribution remain to be unsung, unseen and unglorified. The progress of our country cannot be attained by a few government officials alone. Rome , as we all know, was not built in a single day by a single emperor. Any country cannot be developed by its government alone. The OFWs need not depend on recognition or reward from the government to become active partners for progress. But whatever is the extent of their contribution, their deeds will always be engraved in the minds and hearts of a grateful nation.
Philippine progress is not an impossible dream. We can make it happen if we are really sincere about it. All Filipinos must be hopeful and must take proactive role towards the attainment of economic progress. The OFWs are important as they are now, but they can be empowered to do more; they can be moved by true spirit of patriotism and love, to do even the impossible.
LONG LIVE THE OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS!
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