GREATER PROTECTION, HELP TO OUR 
OVERSEAS WORKERS

THEY have collectively emerged as ''the goose that lays the golden egg,'' bringing into the country some P7 billion in earnings per year.  

They have bailed their families and the country out of economic difficulties and greatly boosted our gross national product (GNP). And for that feat, the government has officially called overseas Filipino workers (OFW) as "modern heroes." 

Such recognition is heartwarming. But many OFWs still live in harsh realities and not in fantasy world. Hence, the need to give them more protection and assistance. 

No less than the President has paid tribute to them. At the same time, she has promised to look after their welfare. 

The President herself has said recently that the billions of dollars OFWs send home boost the international reserve, improve the balance of payment, promote economic growth in the rural areas and also "build homes, send children to school and start small business." 

"My administration is (therefore) committed to translate all our admiration for the overseas workers into concrete action that shall redound to their benefit," she has promised. 

The President has said that more benefits will be extended to OFWs and that the government will likewise intensify its campaign against illegal recruiters and human traffickers. 

These must be done, pursuant to the mandate of the Constitution that "the State shall afford protection to labor, local or overseas." 

The government could extend greater assistance, benefits and protection to OFWs - in many ways. 

For example, the Department of Foreign Affairs should make it easier for them to get or renew their passports. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its attached agencies should facilitate the processing of their working documents and related papers and claims while at the same time, intensifying the rounding up and prosecution of illegal recruiters. 

Greater protection and assistance should be extended by our embassies and consulates abroad, as allowed by international law, especially when our OFWs end up victims of illegal recruitment, maltreatment, other forms of abuses and worse, rape or murder. We should not allow another Flor Contemplacion, Sarah Balabagan and similar tragedies to happen without raising a questioning voice or a protesting finger. 

Better working conditions and more social legislation benefits, amnesty and speedy repatriation should be worked out in appropriate cases. 

We should not allow OFWs to return home frustrated, bankrupt or helpless in the end. More motivational and assistance programs, such as continuing education, advance skills training, housing and business assistance, should also be worked out to enable them to live productively and enjoy life later. 

We can show the world that we are a caring people with a grateful government. 

Let us not just recognize our overseas workers. Let us take care of them - better. 

By FRED M. LOBO