ONE of the biggest exporters of manpower in the world, the Philippines continues to send Filipino workers abroad. There are several factors that move Filipinos to seek employment in other countries – poverty, lack of job opportunities and the ongoing political crisis that is affecting the economic performance of our nation.
The Filipino diaspora began over a hundred years ago. The concept of emigration was brought about by our colonizers. During the Spanish rule, Europe was the main destination of Pinoys. Then, when the Americans took over, Filipinos were taught the English language. Our educational, political and economic systems were patterned after the US system. The United States overrode Europe and became the Pinoys’ new destination.
Filipino sakadas or sugar plantation workers emigrated to Hawaii from 1906 to 1929. Later on, some of them migrated to California and other mainland states after they were banned in Hawaii because of a union strike that took place in 1924.
The onset of the 20th century brought new and better opportunities for our "Global Pinoys," especially for healthcare professionals.
This new breed of Filipino migrant workers are motivated by their desire to help their loved ones back home. A study made by the Ateneo de Manila University in 2005 showed that most remittances are intended for the basic needs of their families – education, housing, health and other emergencies, payment of debts and savings for future use.
Yet, there is more merit to the Global Pinoy’s hardearned dollars. In recent years, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has seen a steady increase in remittances. This steady stream of foreign currency contributes greatly in keeping our country’s economy afl oat, despite the present global economic crisis.
In fact, the recession in the US seems to have little effect on the Philippine economy. BSP recently reported that dollar remittances for 2008 has surpassed expectations, making it the highest in a decade. In the United States alone, Filipino workers and immigrants sent $7.8B last year. Aside from fi nancial support for their kin, Filipino workers are also helping the economy with investments in real estate and small businesses.
In return, the government should ensure that our Filipino workers be given the protection that they need and deserve by enforcing stringent measures to inspect the credibility of their foreign employers. (AJPress)
( Published on July 18, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A12 )
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