Senatorial candidate Edu Manzano underscored the need to create more and better opportunities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) so that they can be reunited with their families and find a decent job in the country.
Manzano, who is eyeing a Senate seat under the umbrella coalition Partido Galing at Puso this coming May elections, said the government should work hard in attracting in-country investments that could generate enough jobs to keep our OFWs home.
“Ang Pilipino ay likas na masisipag. Bigyan lang natin ng tamang oportunidad. Tignan mo sa ibang bansa, ang ating mga OFW ay mayroon tatlo-tatlong trabaho. Kaya sila nandoon kasi kulang sa oportunidad dito sa bansa natin,” he said.
Manzano is running on a platform of improving quality education for the youth and out-of-school youth, creating decent jobs especially in agri-tourism, BPO and ICT industries, and providing better opportunities and protection for Filipino families.
While labor migration has its economic benefits, Manzano also recognized its social costs, particularly among Filipino families which have to bear with broken marriages, drug or substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, among others.
“Kung ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay mayroong sapat at tamang oportunidad, kasabay na nito ang pagbagsak ng krimen at unti-unting pagkawala ng problema sa droga,” he added.
The popular actor and TV host said he has high regard to many Filipino workers who are making all the sacrifices so that they can send their children to good schools and provide better opportunities in life for their families.
“Nakalulungkot makita ang paghihiwalay ng pamilya sa tuwing ang isang ama o ina na iiwan ang kanilang mga anak upang magtrabaho sa ibang bayan. Kung mayroong sapat na oportunidad dito, hindi na nila kailangang umalis pa,” he said.
OFWs should be given better choices of domestic employment by creating a favorable environment for business investments to flourish and promoting best ethical practices in local recruitment and employment, he added.
To date, an estimated 10-12 million Filipinos have been separated from their children and families in exchange of better income and opportunities in other countries, some have even accepted riskier jobs or where they are vulnerable to abuses.