AS the nation celebrates Migrant Workers’ Day, on June 7, OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), particularly for being the driving force behind the Philippine economy’s growth.
The OFW remittances are one of the pillars behind the nation’s progress, with their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication resulting in USD 36.136 Billion personal remittances in 2022. This is equivalent to 8.9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 8.4% of the Gross National Income (GNI).
During the briefing of the Development Budget Coordinating Council (DBCC) at the House of Representatives last February 2023, economic managers agreed with Magsino on the macroeconomic impact of remittances on managing inflation. They said the economy would be in a worse situation if not for OFW remittances, especially during the pandemic, wherein OFW remittances helped our economy stay afloat.
Beyond the financial impact, OFW remittances alleviate poverty and improve living conditions for their families. Increased disposable income leads to higher consumption, driving economic growth. OFWs also fill labor market gaps, address skills shortages, and promote cultural exchange, fostering diversity in society.
“Dahil sa mga ipinapadalang remittances ng ating mga OFWs sa kanilang pamilya, hindi lamang nagiging magaan at maayos ang pamumuhay ng kanilang pamilya sa Pilipinas, kundi naitutulak din nito ang paglago ng ekonomiya ng ating bansa,” said Magsino
However, the party list lawmaker pointed out that the labor migration should be a free choice, not one forced upon the citizens because of scarcity of decent livelihood opportunities in their country.
“Ang pagtatrabaho sa abroad ay dapat naka-ankla sa bukas na kagustuhang magtrabaho; hindi dahil sa sapilitang pakikipagsapalaran dahil sa kawalang oportunidad sa kanilang bayan. Kaya’t kailangan din natin tutukan ang mga polisiya na magbibigay ng full employment dito sa Pilipinas”, remarked Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino
Magsino also emphasized the need to address the common problems besetting our migrant workers: illegal recruitment; human trafficking; employer abuse such as contract-switching and non-provision of mandated benefits; high placement fees and costs of other regulatory requirements; and false criminal charges and unlawful incarceration.
The OFW Party List said the Philippine government has a sacred duty to ensure that labor migration should be fortified by policies, programs, systems, and processes that would promote the welfare and protect the rights of OFWs. It also reminded the Philippines to review and strengthen bilateral labor agreements with host countries to give these more teeth for the benefit of the migrant workers.
