From the time I co-hosted the TFC program “Kumusta Kabayan” with Cheryl Cosim, up to a season when my wife Karen and I helped a handful of individuals pursue their goals to work overseas, the various stories of Filipinos abroad never fail to grab my attention.
Perhaps it is because I too once worked abroad as a manual laborer, unofficial “Sekyu” in a high end residential real estate development, as well as odd jobs as a tree cutter, night janitor, snowplow driver and all around “Go-fer” or Go For This and Go For That.
One thing I have noticed is that our kababayans are no longer as hungry for interaction and conservations with kapwa Pinoys because they now have mobile phones, internet, Viber, Messenger, even satellite subscriptions.
Technology has definitely kept them updated and probably dismayed as they no longer watch TV dramas but real life political dramas like the impeachment or weeks of flooding.
But connectivity through technology is probably the only good thing that has happened in the last 20 years. Otherwise, they remain the family ATM cash dispensing parent, spouse or relative.
OFWs can’t even take their time to think about how much to send and when to send, because e-wallet technology like Gcash as well as Shopee and Lazada provides almost instantaneous processing. No more balikbayan box pasalubong, just click!
Meanwhile, OFWs continue to struggle with workplace environments of bitter cold, the raging North Sea, military conflict and bombardments in the Middle East such as the Strait of Hormuz, as well as growing numbers of right-wing political groups coming into power.
Yes, Filipino nurses as well as seafarers are largely appreciated, but those who oppose or resent migrants don’t ask for passports. They simply want non-locals out, whether it is in the Land of the Free or in OZ land or the more liberal EU. Remember those cruise ship employees that were grabbed by ICE agents.
Some Filipina nannies now based in London have been guarded, choosing to go in groups, gathering mostly within the confines of a catholic church because of fear that they could be targeted by anti-migrant groups.
Aside from the growing far-right political groups, another major global development that is making the future of OFWs uncertain is the cost of living or never before seen inflation both where they live abroad and in the Philippines where they transmit hard earned money.
One online video I saw recently narrated how 15 years ago in Canada, Filipinos easily found “low level” non-skilled jobs, earned low salaries but could still afford a small house or flat, pay their basic needs and manage to have one vacation every year.
Those were back in the “good old days.” Several daughters and nieces of my friends who have migrated to Canada now tell a different story. Families or groups now need to earn multiple incomes and share the cost of living.
No splurges and no vacations, just weekends off. Maybe you can get by if you live aboard a ship or a medical facility that provides room and board but otherwise, sending money home has become a real burden.
As far as Canada and certain EU countries are concerned, there is also the rigid requirement of being able to read and write the language.
Even those lucky enough to be migrating or undergoing migration legalization no longer have it easy. It costs you approximately 300 euro per hour to consult or work with an immigration lawyer.
Aside from lawyers’ fees, there is the “show money,” meaning proof that you are able to support yourself which is approximately 2,500 euro a month. Adding to the hurdle of migration, are having the required job skills and opportunities.
Anyone planning on moving to the EU, either to work or migrate, should add a certification and knowledge in a preferred job as well as language proficiency or have a double degree, one being practical and employable to their list.
Yes, times are tough and trying to maintain their OFW status can sometimes be challenging. But the alternatives are worse. Sometimes it comes down to a choice: “Better a servant than a slave.”
You might think that the phrase is a bit melodramatic or exaggerated, but anybody who takes time to study their life choices and circumstances will discover that Filipinos living in the Philippines especially those below the poverty line are slaves to their state of being.
They get low pay, high inflation, limited future choices, and barely anything in terms of starter homes for new couples, apartments for entry level employees and frightening costs for hospitalization and medicines.
Yayas and domestic helpers in the Philippines are “on call 24/7.” Most are captive to their economic and social circumstance as well as the poor and limited education they receive.
Unless you choose to break out by going into debt and becoming an OFW, you will remain a mere employee, a mere housewife, or an “arawan” or daily wage earner paid less than what you need in a country where the government is guaranteed income from everybody’s sweat.
* * *
E-mail: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com