OFWs refuse to leave war zones

Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) declined repatriation efforts of the government despite escalating violence in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and other countries. According to an OFW in an interview with Bantay OCW over Radyo Inquirer, they would rather risk the chaos overseas rather than die of hunger in the Philippines. The OFW feared there would be no job waiting for him should he return to the country.

Government officials experienced frustration in their last evacuation efforts in Libya. They tried to compel Filipinos to leave but a number of OFWs stood firm in their decision to stay.

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Visiting privileges for kin

Bantay OCW Foundation adviser, Ting Victor, has come up with a new proposal to help ease the loneliness of our OFWs, especially their longing to see their love ones.  In his regular consultations with fellow Filipinos abroad, Victor felt their strong desires to have their love ones near them while working abroad, even for just a short period of time. They wanted their closest family members to visit them in their country of work and to gift hem with the experience of traveling abroad.

Victor proposes special travel visits for parents, spouses and children of OFWs. Our government agencies should seriously look into this proposal, drawing up proper safeguards. The workers abroad should promise to be fully responsible for their kin and  assure that their love ones will not overstay.

Victor proposes that the program be implemented in phases by government-accredited travel agencies that should be equally responsible for ensuring the return of these visitors at a predetermined time.

Hopefully, this “privilege” will not be abused to ensure that it will be enjoyed by many relatives of our OFWs.

Victor and Bantay OCW are willing to present the mechanics of this proposal which can also be carried out by chartered flights by our local airline companies.  Chartering can be scheduled during school breaks so that children of OFWs can visit their parents without the latter leaving their places of work. This can also be a good motivation for children to do well in their studies as this is a dual incentive: Spending time with their parents and vacationing in another country.

Susan Andes, a.k.a. Susan K is on board at RADYO INQUIRER 990 DZIQ AM, Mon-Fri, 7-8: 30 p.m. (live streaming: www.dziq.am); and at NBN Channel 4, Mon-Fri,10:10 p.m.-11:10 p.m. (Live streaming: www.ptni.tv). Bantay OCW Hotlines: 5357209/  8819423/  0919.214.0699. E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]