"ON THIS International Migrants Day, I call on the international community to act on the global compact on safe, regular and orderly migration as an important contribution to building a world of peace, prosperity, dignitym and opportunity for all," United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said.
Sunday, December 18, is the International Migrants Day. It brings to mind the millions of Filipinos who have chosen to live and work abroad, many staying more than a decade before seeing their families back home again, some because of the expense others because they have to fulfill some residency requirements.
With the present state of globalization matched with better transport and communication facilities, migration becomes easier, people can go anywhere in the world with ease.
But deciding to go and going are the easy part, sometimes even heavenly for those who have long dreamed of moving out of the country for better opportunities. The challenge is in the staying, the possible discrimination by a not so welcoming foreign community or a not so friendly Filipino migrant community.
As Filipinos abroad know, it's not that easy out there, and there are many issues they have to tackle. Diaspora sounds like what it is. A certain sadness, a certain dislocation, and a lot of sacrifices.
As Christmas Day approaches, let us just remind ourselves of the sacrifices those who migrated somewhere else for better opportunities have had to take and reach out to them for some greetings and quick chats.
That's what is good about technology, we can reach out and ease the loneliness in a foreign land and keep in touch even with the young ones.
Remember to make that call. But, please, tone down the reminders about "pasalubongs". Let your greetings and quick chats be enough.