WE HAVE repeatedly made tributes to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and yet we have witnessed instances where they were treated shabbily and poorly in government agencies' counters where they call for their needs and requirements.
They have undoubtedly contributed immensely to our national revenues, contributing largely to our economy and these were are very much aware of and reluctantly agree to.
We have seen TV reports on several OFWs, stranded because of cancelled/delayed flights, living under the NAIA expressway in Pasay City, a poor and inappropriate place for our so-called modern-day heroes. What are we doing, OWWA, POEA? It's good the Pasay City government has done something to help these OFWs.
Other OFWs suffered deprivation and humiliation. Returning workers could not have transportation back to their home provinces and have remained clueless when they can come home to be with their respective families.
Why this poor treatment of our modern-day heroes who deserve nothing but the best accommodations? Can we not extend them extraordinary services? Is this hard to do give our traditional braggadocio?
***
We have already undergone several tiers of the pandemic control and containment schemes, from the strict enhanced community quarantine to the more relaxed MECQ and GCQ.
Now we await the last hurdle to the new normal, the Modified General Community Quarantine.
This time, we hope the public utility vehicle drivers would be given the opportunity to conduct their services because too many people depending on transport have been extremely affected.
By the time the MGCQ is imposed, we hope the drivers could go on with their daily chores, subject to the customary health protocols.
***
Slowly, we witness the return of businesses which have been shuttered for over three months: restaurants and other food businesses, but as always, subject to certain limitations. Why, even Boracay has been opened to domestic tourists and residents of Boracay. We just hope more similar establishments will be allowed to open for business soon.
Then, it will be business as usual!