A Tribute to the Overseas Filipino Workers(OFW)

This video in Tagalog discussed the regrets of an OFW who was out of the country for ten years. When he returned home his Mom did not recognized him, since she is a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. A good tribute to Motherhood! A tear-jerker video to say the least! The above video reminded me of my article I posted in one of my blog two years ago, I titled it Modern Heroes of the Philippines.

"Around 8.6 million to 11 million overseas Filipinos are the estimated count worldwide or about 11% of the total population of the Philippines are the Filipino modern heroes. Without the remittances of these OFW's, the Philippine economy would not look as bright and positive compared to the economy of other countries.

More than a million Filipinos try their luck each year to work abroad through overseas employment agencies and other programs.

A majority of them are women applying as domestic helpers and personal service workers. Others emigrate and become permanent residents of other countries. Overseas Filipinos often work as doctors, physical therapists, nurses, accountants, IT professionals, engineers, architects,entertainers, technicians, teachers, military servicemen, seafarers, students, caregivers, domestic helpers and maids.

Remittances sent by OFWs to the Philippines contribute to the country's economy, with a value of more than US$10 billion in 2005. This makes the country the fourth largest recipient of remittances with India, China, and Mexico in the top list. OFW remittances represent 13.5% of the country's GDP, the largest in proportion to the domestic economy among the four countries.

In 2008, overseas Filipinos sent US$15.9 billion worth of remittances to the Philippines, up from the US$14.4 billion in 2007, and US$13 billion in 2006.

And as you read this, there are also thousands of Marinduque OFWs out there sacrificing away from their families in order that they may provide them good life and better future. Their remittances help boost the Philippine economy".

Note: On a personal level about 80% of the clients of Chateau Du Mer Conference Hall are Marinduque's OFW's and their relatives.