Mabuhay OFWs!

Ellene Sana of the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) posted this very important reminder for us: all that every June 7 is National Migrants' Day.

This day, according to Ellene, commemorates the enactment of RA 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Qverseas Filipinos Act of 1995. She further explained that this law is 21-years old and has been amended twice - first in 2007 by RA 9422 which strengthens the regulatory functions of the POEA and repealed Sections 29 and 30 of RA 8042 which called for deregulation. The second amendment was in 2010 by RA 10022.

Ellene expressed the hope "that by this time, majority of our OFWs are informed of the protection provisions of the laws and that they will invoke these for their protection and dignity. Mabuhay OFWs at kanilang pamilya!"

We all understand the important role of our OFWs and the remittances of our OFWs not only for the members of their households but for the whole country. Migration that results from free choice is encouraged throughout the world as this movement is an expression of an individual's freedom to move. Migrants who move based on free choice are often the ones who reap the benefits of migration in terms of better income, better health, better education, and other options. Their families as well are advantaged by this type of migration.

Countries of destination, however, still put up restrictions for entry, work, and residence for migrants. Despite many researches that show migration is positive as well for the receiving countries (in terms of labor supply provided by migrants - taxes paid by migrants and money earned from migrants for expenses related to consumption items and utilities), countries still maintain restrictive policies discouraging the entry, especially of unskilled labor.

Sadly, the usual unfounded stereotypes about migrants and the costs and dangers they bring to the countries of destination still linger persistently especially among the citizens of the receiving countries. Hopefully, the future may see opening of minds as well as opening of doors of entry, for work and residence of more migrants throughout the world.

The Philippines is among the world's migrant-supplying countries. Our nurses, caregivers, domestic workers rank high among the migrants in the world. Our migrants also have been observed in almost all countries throughout the world. Soon, our domestic workers will be accepted in Japan, aside from the regular receiving countries in the Middle East, Taiwan, Hongkong, and Singapore.

Migrants who are forced to move, due to many factors like financial difficulties, conflicts and wars and environmental factors (like earthquakes and storms) face so much danger and challenges from the country of origin, during their pre-departure stage, in transit, and upon arrival and stay in the country of destination. Many of these types of migrants are victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation or forced labor.

Reminders and laws like the ones mentioned by Ellene have been made and implemented as protection for migrants, especially those who have been forced to move and those abused by greedy individuals and groups that have made migration a business to squeeze as much profit as they can from innocent migrants.

As we continue to salute our OFWs for their noble support of their families and our nation, there is still so much needed to protect more of our migrants and to support our people so that only those who are free to move to express their freedom to choose where they want to work and reside will be encouraged to do so.

We hope more of our people will not be forced to move because our country is unable to take care of their needs and those of their households. We also hope that the remittances and contributions of the OFWs are positively tapped for development efforts that can translate into better livelihood and better life opportunities for our people.

Mabuhay ang atong mga OFWs!

Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice abroad! Do please take care and be properly informed about your rights as migrants so that someday soon, you can return to your families and you can return back to our country.

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