Ople of Labor

When we were in high school, we had to memorize the names of all the cabinet ministers of then president Ferdinand Marcos. Easiest to recall even under time pressure during quizzes was “Ople of Labor.” Aside from the pneumonic advantage, it was convenient to remember Ka Blas because of his strong presence in the news and the solid performance that his name invoked.

The nomination of Susan “Toots” Ople, daughter of Ka Blas, has been popularly accepted by pundits and our citizens because of the strong political and reputational capital of the name and the urban legend that goes with it, such as Ka Blas not having finished his formal schooling, yet he was exemplary in public service and stood out among the official family of the Chief Executive. His brilliance and eloquence were recognized even long before he was gone.

I don’t personally know the incoming chief of the newly organized Department of Migrant Workers. But all our common friends share the consensus that president-elect Bongbong Marcos made the right choice in designating her for the difficult task of managing the interests of more than two million migrant workers whom we fondly give the accolade of being our modern-day heroes. And after I saw the interview done by Ms. Malu Mangahas last week, I’m also convinced that she is potentially going to deliver. Her biggest qualification for the huge task is her sincerity to improve the delivery of services to the Filipinos working abroad. During this interview, she was speaking from her heart.

Social costs for going away

Taking the risk of working in a different culture as ordinary workers courts the risk of physical harm, homesickness, abuses and, in many instances, non-compliance by employers to the pre-agreed contracts. We already lost count of the many cases of rape and murder of Filipina domestic workers.

Broken families, children not finishing their studies, drug addiction, loss of savings to investment scams are among the usual pitfalls that are being suffered by our overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) or migrant workers and their families.

They must endure the inevitable discrimination even among the world’s most advanced nations such as the United States where Asians, in general, are subjected to hostile attacks. The most vulnerable are the domestic helpers who are literally alone in the households of strangers whose perception of women are that of an inferior being with a much lower set of rights.

Biting the bullet

The regular financial support that our OFWs send to their homes is the main motivation why families are willing to be separated from their loved ones. The opportunity to assist in the survival of those whom they will leave behind is paramount. They will disregard all the dangers that are reported in the news, and they would simply hope that they have better luck in working in other countries.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, in 2021, around $34 billion was officially remitted to our country from Filipinos abroad. This is enough to help our emerging economy. In fact, such remittances have provided the resilience of our country even during the most challenging downturns in the global and regional economy.

Finally, a dedicated department

I’m glad and hopeful that there will be an improvement in the efforts to support our OFWs. There is much to be desired. Of course, I heard good feedbacks on the leadership of current POEA administrator Atty. Bernard Olalia who did a laudable performance.

But now that there’s a complement of a full-blown department vested with all the authority and budget, Ms. Toots Ople has a better chance to formulate and execute a more comprehensive package of institutionalized assistance for our migrant workers.

For me, top in my list is the assurance that illegal recruiters will be apprehended and meted the maximum penalties allowed by our laws. If necessary, lobby for a harsher sanction that will put all those involved in enticing desperate applicants who throw hard-earned money, oftentimes borrowed from loan sharks, to swindlers.

Second, explore the possibility of engaging the automatic cooperation and support of foreign governments in delivering swift justice against their own citizens who have abused our workers. If doable, let’s have a repatriation agreement with the countries that host our citizens.

Lastly, launch an effective orientation and educational program that will develop the basic financial and investment skills of our OFWs and their families so that they will be able to optimize the funds that they generate for their loved ones. This will also enable them to avoid being hoodwinked by predators.

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