EDITORIAL - Modern heroes

Without them, the economy could collapse. Overseas Filipino workers or OFWs have been hailed as modern-day heroes by four administrations, and with good reason. Amid a global recession and despite political problems in the Philippines, the economy grew 3.6 percent in the first three months of the year. Much of that growth can be attributed to the foreign exchange remittances of OFWs, now 11 million strong and still growing.

In recognizing the contributions of these modern-day heroes, the government can do no less than to see to their needs. Abroad, the Philippine government must continue promoting the welfare of OFWs by working out the best deals for them and providing assistance in cases of maltreatment. In the Philippines, prospective contract workers have to be protected against unscrupulous recruiters, who collect exorbitant fees and promise non-existent jobs or work that’s different from what the OFWs end up doing. Some recruiters also promise jobs even to underage workers, providing spurious documents that open the workers to abuse abroad.

Prospective OFWs must also be given adequate preparation for what awaits them overseas. They need some information about the history and culture of the host country. Knowing a little of the host country’s language will be a big help. Those intending to become domestic helpers need to know how to operate appliances and modern gadgets they are likely to encounter, such as microwave ovens and remote control air conditioners.

On Thursday when the nation marked Migrant Workers Day, President Arroyo handed out awards to 11 outstanding OFWs. She also paid tri-bute to the Filipino seamen who rescued their Ukrainian colleagues when their ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean last January. More than paying tri-bute to OFWs and looking out for their welfare, however, the government must lay the foundation for bringing them home. Having 11 million of 76 million Filipinos toiling in foreign lands for lack of opportunities at home can’t be a cause for rejoicing. When the nation no longer has to rely on OFWs’ earnings to fuel the economy, then genuine progress has been achieved.