An Overseas Filipino Worker Parent

HAVING AN OFW PARENT
Jean Alyzza E. Villaver
Chapter 1

I. Introduction
Overseas Filipino Workers are lauded world-wide for their heroism. Much has been said about the economic contributions of these modern day heroes, but it is also equally important to look into the effects that migration has on their children left at home.
On the positive side, it is expected that children of migrant workers have better living conditions than their counterparts from non-OFW families. This children experience more monetary benefits in terms of food, clothing, education and savings.
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - Remittances sent home by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have been instrumental in the Philippines' economic growth. In 2009, when everybody thought that OFWs would be the first ones to suffer because of the global economic crisis, the Philippines still received more remittances valued at $17.35 billion.
Remittances have been resilient despite crises, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Filipino workers to their families in the Philippines. But we must not forget - there are social costs to this economic gain.
If there are more high-quality local jobs, Filipinos will see working abroad as an option, and not the only way out of poverty.

Why do Filipinos leaves for job abroad?
-FAMILY

They pursue better paying jobs to provide for the need of loved ones at home.
More and more Filipinos are leaving the country to become OFWs.
1975

2000 2010

OFW CHILDREN SEEKS FOR MORE ATTENTION!
A father, a mother and their children constitute a family. They harmoniously live together under one roof with the parents providing all the love, attention and the assurance of a better future for their children. This, however, may not be true for all families. For some, because of the worsening economic condition in the Philippines, one or both of the parents have chosen to work overseas.

According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, as of 2006, there are 8.23 million Filipinos abroad, of whom 3.6 million are permanent migrants, 3.8 million are temporary migrants and 0.87 million are “irregular”. Many of them have left their behind. With only a single-parent left with the children or with both parents working overseas, the children may be wanting for affection and time. Worse, they may be prone to EMOTIONAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL distress.