Madonna Decena and Our Brave OFWs
May 4, 2008 at 2:00 am (OFW Issues and Concerns)
Tags: OFW, Philippines, youth
OFws are our nation’s modern heroes, we have heard this so many times that it seems trite and grating. But watching the stories of OFWs like Madonna Decena, a contestant on Britain’s got talent whose video is attached, and you realize how true the hero monicker is. Personally, while I appreciate their sacrifices, I wish they did not have to be heroes, meaning that perhaps if we had more options in the Philippines, we would not need our OFWs to venture out and expose themselves to abuse and exploitation. And what about the great social cost - the toll on families, the lack of father or mother figures for our youth, and the consumerism that occurs when children are given money, cellphones, gadgets, etc. instead of guidance?
- Atty. Adel Tamano
jiancarlocristi said,
May 4, 2008 at 6:24 am
Unfortunately it is what society has dictated. Consumerism has been a “fad” even before the start of the 20th century. Plus the way the government handles issues/problems. Instead of finding the root causes and long-term solutions they would just act hastily without noticing that they are giving the wrong “bitter gord”
Chino said,
May 5, 2008 at 2:30 am
I just want to react to your statement in the radio show that “those who are in the administration will have a hard time in your group because they are part of the problem”. Do you not realize that the opposition is ALSO a big part of the problem?
avocadolife said,
May 5, 2008 at 11:45 am
If I had great wealth, I’d set up progressive and research-and-development centered industries all over our country and provide jobs with commensurate salaries, full benefits and continued professional training to my countrymen. In this way, I’d have made my businesses sustainable and globally competitive while extending equity to my employees. Now, why have our taipans not thought of this? I hope they’ll take pause and think of it.
Remitter said,
May 16, 2008 at 5:25 am
This is a problem that has haunted the country for so many years. Why is there a need to part ways with heroes who are fully capable of helping the economy. For so many decades the skilled workers from Philippines have gone to foreign countries and offered their services. Had the economy provided similar opportnuties, these OFWs might not have thought of leaving their loved ones behind. On my blog- http://remitter.wordpress.com/ a fellow blogger shared his sentiment and said that moving out was not a decision but a necessity. This I feel is the general mood. Philippines should earnestly try to improve its condition, otherwise it’ll continue to lose some of the best talents to other countries.