Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are working so hard outside the country, enduring the feeling of being homesick, enduring those sleepless nights of work just to provide a convenient life for their loved ones back in the country.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority, more than 2.2 million Filipinos are working abroad from April to September 2016.
Recently, a Pinoy OFW named Raymond Lopez shared his frustrations towards unappreciative people on Facebook.
An excerpt of his post reads:
“Una po sa lahat, hindi po nagbabalik-bayan ang isang OFW para bigyan o pasalubungan kayong lahat, walang obligasyon ang isang OFW na bigyan kayo ng mga tsokolate, sabon, pabango at kung anu-ano pa! umuuwi ang isang OFW hindi para magregalo, mamigay o magpamudmod ng kung ano. kundi, umuuwi sila para pansamantalang makapagpahinga, makapaglibang at makasama ang kani-kanilang pamilya’t mahal sa buhay.”
Some people assumed that working abroad is easy and a privilege, when in fact, it’s not what most people perceived it.
There are numerous struggles they endure just to stay and finish their contracts. Most of them spend holidays and even their birthdays alone.
Raymond’s post is an eye opener that if you are a friend a relative or a family of an OFW, always be grateful and thankful in what you received whether it is big or small, or even just a piece of chocolate.
A little appreciation counts on them!