Overseas Filipino Workers in Korea

The cries of our heroes during the proclamation of the Philippine Independence were heard in 1898. After 111 years of achieving and of being an independent nation, what’s next for the Philippines?

Courageous Filipinos keep on fighting not only for the country’s freedom, for religion and territory but also to escape from hunger as a result of poverty.

The current economic crisis, high unemployment rate, graft and corruption, the highest reported cases of swine flu in Southeast Asia, and other national problems and concerns are seriously tightening up almost 90 million Filipinos into severe bondage.

Despite predicaments and labor issues, we never lose hope and determination to uphold the sovereignty of our motherland as we become more global, coping with the challenges confronting us.

For years, we have proven our worth for our talents and developed the skills we possess for others.

We are highly recognized through world-class performers like Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Freddie Aguilar and the phenomenal pound-for-pound champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, all of whom have conquered the world of entertainment and sports, identifying us for our hard work. They have helped the world regard us as becoming a global partner in the world’s economic development.

As we commemorate the declaration of Philippine Independence, we greatly honor the unconditional sacrifices of our living heroes spearheaded by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and expatriates, who keep on bringing so much pride and glory despite considerable reported cases of abuse, prejudice and mistreatment.

Also, the “bayanihan,” or a communal unity in the spirit of volunteerism, still exists among Filipinos working overseas.

Here in Korea, Filipino workers joined with one another to empower their small groups wherever they belong ― an organization of migrants with a common goal: to help fellow migrants.

Korea has been regarded as an ideal destination for Filipinos engaged in various professions such as engineers, factory workers, traders, domestic helpers and entertainers, with the total about 51,000.

Civic groups, religious leaders, Korean spouses, fellow workers as well as conscientious Koreans are helping distressed workers, regardless of their gender, religion, visa status and educational background.

Moreover, the recent visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Seoul and the ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Jeju Island have significantly strengthened the relationship between the two countries in trade, education and tourism. One such accomplishment is the continuous hiring of more than 5,000 OFWs under the Employment Permit System, for which a memorandum of understanding has been signed anew.

As we celebrate our independence day, themed “One Philippines,” in Korea, we also commemorate the 60th year of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Philippines with pride and joy. In this vein, pageantry of culture, tourism and beauty has been showcased in Seoul through music, dances, artwork and movies ― reaffirming the friendship between the two countries in the course of recognizing each other’s contribution toward global democracy and economic development.

Such privileges and opportunities greatly helped to free us from poverty.

To reciprocate the valuable contribution of OFWs to the economy of this country, the government should provide more concrete and immediate livelihood programs to elevate and support the living conditions of some displaced workers and those who opted to stay for their employers during the economic downturn.

In celebration of our 111th anniversary of the Philippine Independence and 14th Philippine Migrants’ Day in Korea, albeit retroactively, let us band together to support the OFWs to be more productive and make us show the local community the talents, skills and unity that we Filipinos have become famous for.

By Elizer Penaranda

Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/07/137_48001.html