The Filipino Migrant Workers: Partnered by Civil Society

Abstract

Worldwide, Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) number eight million today, a phenomenon not surprising for a developing country like the Philippines. But what is significant is that this type of migration may continue for many more years ahead. This is despite the various difficulties faced by these migrant workers from day one of their attempt in their home country to look for a job abroad, their actual employment in a foreign land and their return home to resettle with their respective families. The overwhelming odds of psychological, social and financial or economic nature that beleaguer these 'adventurers' somehow do not serve as deterrents.

The explanation for this resilience among the OFWs lies in the fact that the country's vibrant civil society groups have among its member's self-sacrificing non-government organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations (POs) which have volunteered to partner with these disadvantaged migrant workers. These social or cause-oriented groups have willingly taken up the cudgels for the promotion and protection of the human and labor rights of these migrant workers. Such partnership remains strong and continues to effect improvements in the lot of the OFWs not only in their home countries but also in all countries of destination where their fellow workers are similarly struggling for a better standard of living.