Friday, October 31, 2008 Antalan: Model OFW By Rogelio P. Antalan Dateline IGaCoS
MOST of us know that OFW means Overseas Filipino Worker. The term, which was officially adopted under the Ramos administration, refers to Filipino citizens who go abroad for lack of well-paying jobs in the Philippines.
The country has called them "bagong bayani" (new heroes) for indeed they make sacrifices by being detached from their families in pursuit of decent wages that they send to their loved ones. In this manner, their remittances prop up the economy through the continued inflow of hard currencies.
Statistics show that there are more than 11 million OFWs worldwide. Most of them are in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Canada, and United Arab Emirates where they often work as nurses, caregivers, IT professionals, engineers, architects, entertainers, domestic helpers, and household maids.
According to the Central Bank of the Philippines, last year, some $14.7 billion was sent by OFWs to their families.
In the Island Garden City of Samal, we have around three thousand OFWs. Most of them have really uplifted the economic condition of their families.
They have bought real properties, built concrete houses, have sent their children to school, and some have started a business.
They have also, in one time or another, helped relatives, friends, and even neighbors when they need financial assistance. Samaleño OFWs, like some others elsewhere, also contribute to the growth and development of their respective communities.
One particular Samaleño OFW experience that can be considered a "success story" is that of Julio B. Roxas.
Having seen the deplorable condition of his own family, "Jun" as his kin fondly calls him decided to leave for Brunei Darussalam in 1989 to work for Henson Supply Services as company driver.
Through sheer hard work, together with his wife Ofelia, herself an OFW, Jun gradually improved the financial condition of his family. He was able to send money for his family's basic needs and he was able to send his children to school.
Eventually, except for his youngest child who is still in school, his four other children have finished college.
In Brunei, Jun always remembered what God has done for him and his family. He has always been passionate about rendering service to the community. So, after 18 years of working abroad, he finally decided to come back to the Philippines to continue his sincere and selfless contribution to the community.
Jun has been the Pangulo sa Katilingban (PSK) and chairperson of the following organizations: Barangay Agricultural & Fisheries Council (BAFC), Banana Growers Association, Balet Coconut Farmers & Development Cooperative. He is also the sectoral representative of the City Agricultural & Fisheries Council (CAFC).
One of Albert Einstein's famous quotes goes "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile" seems to be what Jun has been espousing. Thus, he became one of the nominees for this year's Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award.
Last October 28, after stringent validation by the board of judges, Jun emerged as the regional winner for the land-based category. He will be competing with other nominees in the national level on November 14.
Confucius said that "he who wishes to secure the good of others, has already secured his own". Undoubtedly, Julio "Jun" B. Roxas has already secured his own good.
