OFWs all over the world, hopeful for 2011

The Filipinos all over the world look forward to 2011 with much hope and great expectations. In Ronda, Cebu, OFWs came together to serve their communities last December 23 by sponsoring a one-day Leadership Conference and Seminar. The OFWs led in the strategic initiative by formulating a vision of hope and unity for 2011.

Rondahanons from UK, Scotland, the USA, the Middle East and Asian countries joined hands in helping their political, religious, economic, social and civic leaders draw a common Vision and Mission for Ronda and its people. All the OFWs were expressing a lot of confidence on the future, given the present political and socio-economic and cultural backdrop.In the larger context, this writer conducted a survey on the general outlook for the future among the Filipino migrant workers all over the world. Doris Villagonzalo, a nurse in New York declared that she and her family have high hopes for our country, with the new political leaders running the government. She reposes a lot of trust on the integrity and moral values of President Noy Aquino and his Cabinet. She warned though that some Cabinet members must shape up or be changed for the better.

Ms. Melba Lawrie, a Cebuana who is married to a Scotland gentleman, is very optimistic for Cebu, with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia at its helm. She hastened to interject, however, that the Garcias and the Osmeñas and the other Cebuano political leaders must learn to unite in order to better serve the Cebuanos. Ms. Lyn de la Rama, a Bicolana who is now in London, working as a personal assistant to a Malaysian royalty, is very optimistic for our country. Mr. Alene Valencia, a Filcom leader in Kuwait also looks forward to 2011 with much bright prospects, especially in the light of the approval of the national budget which appropriated more than a trillion pesos for government operations and for debt service. He pointed out that the substantial amount intended for the pro-poor Conditional cash transfer program of the DSWD. Madam Roselou Tandoc, a successful businesswoman from Moalboal, who is now in the Middle East and married to an Arab oil and gas executive also looks forward to 2011 with much hope and optimism. Dr. Chie Umandap, a dentist who works for the government of Kuwait, made mention of Vice president Binay’s advocacy for housing and for the OFWs. He says that this augurs well for our country in general and for the migrant workers, in particular. He knows Vice President Binay, he being a former civic leader in Makati.

Ms. Pilar Sangaran, a Filcom leader and a businesswoman in Kuala Lumpur is also bullish for our country’s future economic development. She plans to come home for good and be a part of the solution to our country’s problems and challenges.

Myrna Pacquing, an Ilocana, who works as a domestic helper in Malaysia also sees a lot of hope for the Philippines in 2011. Atoy Inojales, a factory worker from Davao, who is now in Taichung, Taiwan, married his fellow OFW from Pampanga. That, he says, is the best evidence that he has great expectations and hope for 2011.

That many OFWs from Central Taiwan are decided to come home and become entrepreneurs is a concrete manifestation of their strong confidence on our country’s future. For these and for all the good things about to enfold in 2011, may I join the OFWs in saying: Happy and blessed prosperous new year to all. Mabuhay!

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