Sunday, June 3, 2012

OFW Repatriation and Elections




Pin It





OFW Repatriation


Who among us do not have a family member or even a relative currently working abroad? or as we commonly call them OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). As per recent data there are about 12.5 million Filipinos working in different countries around the world.


Sending workers overseas I think even began before the World War II when many Filipinos were hired in the United States to work as fruit pickers.  I can also remember, back in the late 70's many of our neighbors went to the Kingdon of Saudi Arabia to work as construction workers. In my own province, Laguna and neighboring Batangas whenever we see a very glamorous newly-built house often comment will be: "maybe the house owner is working in Italy".


Primarily many Filipinos opted to work overseas for economic reasons,  because of the lack of employment opportunities in our own country, choices need to be made that is to go overseas and find work.  I myself was an OFW once and now an OFW wife.  My husband has been working overseas for more than eight years already.


More often working overseas equates to a bigger salary compared to working locally but it has its own many disadvantages.  Oftentimes we heard of affected family relationships, OFWs abused, accidents and even death.  


Such is the case that happened to OFW Alfredo Salmos who arrived last May 22.  He already finished his contract but yet unable to return home due to lack of exit clearance because he got involved in a car accident 10 years ago. But while in wait, he worked as a part-timer where he met a tragic electrocution accident.  His story went viral on the social networking sites seeking help primarily for medical assistance and to help him back home. But prior to all of these, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Villar Foundation through its  Sagip OFW have began coordinating with government entities to help him out.


Its a very good thing that there are private institutions that are willing to help an unlucky OFW like Alfredo Salmos.  He is now back in the country but still needs financial assistance for his medical operations and medicine expenses. He needs to undergo 3 operations to correct the body parts that were badly damaged due to the electrocution accident so that he can again lead a normal life.  As he wish, he would like to be a productive person once again and not a mere handicap.


The Blas F. Ople Policy Center is a non-stock, non-profit organization.  Donations entrusted to them enable them to rescue, repatriate and help more distressed OFWs around the world. Aim with a vision of every OFW family to be happy, to have a better quality of life, and have more opportunities at home.

Likewise, the Villar Foundation, established in 1992 also as a non-stock, non-profit organization. One of their many advocacies is to reach out to underprivileged OFWs and their families through repatriation and other forms of assistance.

OFW: Participating in Elections

Another predicament that faces OFWs is the exercise of their rightful privileged as Filipino citizens and one of them is participating in elections. Just take note of those million of Filipinos working abroad wishing for their voices to be heard and to make a choice so as for the sake of their families back home. 

Personally I can say why many of our countrymen still lived and worked overseas was because of these previously elected and still remained seated elected government officials.  Until now there are no drastic changes or turn-about in our economic situation such the lack of opportunities to improved our living conditions.

If all OFWs can possibly participate in the coming 2013 elections probably there might be some variations in election results.  But accordingly overseas absentee voting still entails many problems primarily geography and document requirement issues. 

In view of this, especially those with OFW family members or relatives working abroad, let us encouraged them to register and vote for the coming 2013 elections. It might be difficult considering the hassle of going to the nearest Philippine embassy but "if we have the desire, everything can be made possible". 

Also as set by COMELEC, the deadline for new voters registration, transfer of registration, validation, change of name, correction of entries can be done on or before October 31, 2012.



Pin It


20 comments:

  1. I think we can get them to vote if they know what's in it for them.but then again they have to be reassured na their votes will not be tampered din.

    ReplyDelete
  2. thanks for sharing this helpful insights about OFW Mommy...

    Hopping from BC Bloggers... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. i also have a similar post about ofw registering to vote, i hope this gets across them and they get the best support from our government, they deserved to be "heard" through their votes too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! since we call them "modern-day" heroes they need to be taken care of by our government.

      Delete
  4. I think they have the right to vote since OFW help boost our economy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for sharing mommy :) Very helpful blogpost..

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very well said, so true! in fact OFW are modern heroes today.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My father used to be an OFW too and our family is so grateful for his sacrifices and blessed that nothing bad happened to him while he was away. He's retired now and my younger brother is the one working overseas now. It truly is scary when a member of your family is miles away but I trust that God will keep him safe.

    But I also encourage those who want to try their luck abroad to be very cautious and to go through the legal channels. It may take longer but at least your safety and protection is assured. It is better to be careful than sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This reminds me that I have to verify my COMELEC registration. I've registered more than 5 years ago but I have never exercised my right to suffrage, ever. I think that more information drives should be made by our government to encourage OFWs to register and vote.

    ReplyDelete
  9. There is the so called 'absentee voter" for OFW but i think only a few participates on this for some reason. Hope we get an honest election and no more cheating and also the Filipino's learn to vote the right person.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's good that Alfredo Salmos has already been able to come home. I hope he'll get the help he needs to return his life to normal.

    ReplyDelete
  11. the reason some don't participate is they don't have the time to vote..they don't want to be absent on their work...

    or worst, they don't want to be part of the election anymore...in short "wala ng pakialam".

    ReplyDelete
  12. Its a good thing he was able to get some sort of support. Still, its a tragedy and I hope that he is able to maintain his positivity.

    Sana lang they all learn to vote and choose to vote

    ReplyDelete
  13. saw him from the news, glad he's home. i dont have any idea how voting is done for OFWs. Is it accurate?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Its great that there are organizations ready to help such unfortunate people but i hope the govt and others, should be more active, than reactive. We shouldnt wait for an accident to happen to make neccesary actions

    ReplyDelete
  15. My 2 sisters are working abroad. I often remind them to enjoy their right to vote even they're away from home.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank God he's already here with us. I hope he gets better and better.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have no idea if my father can vote from Abu Dhabi. I should ask though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He can inquire with the nearest Philippine embassy regarding registration and how to vote afterwards.

      Delete
  18. I have close friends in the US that were born here, but they have US Citizenship already. Hmm. Can they still vote?

    ReplyDelete