By Unifil Migrante Hong Kong
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong have long been calling for the Philippine Consulate General to open every Saturday — a clamor for many OFWs who have their day off on Saturdays, as well as those with “international” (any day of the week) days off.
It is undeniable that, apart from Sunday, Saturday is one of the most common days off for OFWs. Many require essential services from the Consulate, which are inaccessible due to its closure on Saturdays. While it is common for OFWs to seek assistance from friends, the help they can offer is often limited. Those who are aware of and can reach out to nongovernment organizations — especially those whose contracts have been terminated — are able to run and ask for help, but it is obviously not enough.
We recognize that not only terminated workers require assistance. Some OFWs need advice or accommodation after losing their jobs. Even those who are still employed may seek guidance regarding their current job issues, consular services and other needs.
Initial data indicates that thousands of OFWs take a day off during the week, with many attending church. According to churches surveyed, more than a thousand OFWs spend time in church during their day off.
In 2009, the Coalition against Government Exaction successfully lobbied for the Consulate to open on Sundays. However, the call for opening on Saturdays was not heeded, with the Consulate citing utility costs — a reason deemed unacceptable by many OFWs.
Now, more than ever, as the number of OFWs continues to rise, each day the Consulate is open is important. The Consulate should not hesitate to extend its operations to include Saturdays.
The opening of the Consulate on Saturdays is a service owed by the Philippine Government. OFWs would not have demanded it if the Consulate had done it voluntarily, because true service is measured not only by the amount provided but by meeting the people’s needs.
In the end, we vow to continue the call. We will not stop until the Consulate is open every Saturday.