OFW shares experience under Duterte: 'To have a Filipino working for you has now become sort of status symbol'

Composite photo of President Rodrigo Duterte welcoming the OFWs (CNN and Inquirer) and netizen Jovybev Aquino (Facebook)

The Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been hailed as “he­roes of the Philippines” as they bring in a substantial amount of remittances which has bolstered the dollar reserves of the country and invigorates the economy.

However, the benefits they bring for the country do not come easy as they suffer hardships, being away from their families and at times, their dignity if not their humanity is being trampled upon.

The government finally act to protect OFWs against abuses

Under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, many could admit that the government is now willing to go extra mile to protect the OFWs from abuses and their rights, especially for those working as domestic helpers.

The Duterte administration has not hesitated to confront foreign governments with courage and full determination to secure formal assurances of protection and rights of the OFWs.

The president was even quick to declare a ban on countries where abuses had led to deaths of OFWs.

“Get seven hours of sleep, be fed nutritious meals, not leftovers, and not to have their employers keep their passports” these are just some of Duterte’s personal concern for the Filipino workers abroad.

Having a president with firm stand on OFWs rights is definitely uplifting for our heroes especially that a lot of Filipinos work outside the Philippines.

Why Filipino workers are popular

In an article by helperplace, it stated that Filipinos are quite popular among other applicants because of their ability to speak in English and their efficiency in handling chores.

Another factor that makes domestic workers from the Philippines likeable is their very good skill in handling babies. They can even teach English to kids.*

“Trained or not, helpers from Philippines are better at understanding the needs of their employers in comparison to helpers from other countries with an ability to handle difficult tasks with much ease. The only drawback that you might find in maids from Philippines can be a higher salary.” The article also read.

Real and measurable change

As for the high salary, a Facebook post from an OFW in the Middle East has shared his personal experience and explained why, describing it a “real and measurable change.”

An avid supporter of President Duterte, netizen Jovybev Aquino said that hiring a Filipino helper was like a ‘symbol of status’ abroad because of very high salary range and strict standards set by the embassies for the possible employer.

“Also, if an expat wants to hire a Filipina Domestic Helper, they first have to prove that they are financially capable, fall within a very high salary range and that they meet the strict standards given by our embassies. Otherwise their request is denied. It has now become some sort of status symbol to have a Filipino working for you.” Aquino said


Jovybev Aquino’s full post reads:

When I first started working in the Middle East, it was comforting for me that whenever I would ride taxis, 80% of the time the driver was Filipino. Now a day’s you'd be hard pressed to find any. I asked the drivers, "where are all the Filipino drivers?" and the answer given to me is always the same. "Most of them went home. They can now earn more working again in the Philippines."

Also, if an expat wants to hire a Filipina Domestic Helper, they first have to prove that they are financially capable, fall within a very high salary range and that they meet the strict standards given by our embassies. Otherwise, their request is denied. It has now become some sort of status symbol to have a Filipino working for you.

That's not propaganda, that's real and measurable change.

Note: Jovybev Aquino's Facebook account is no longer active

Source: Manila Bulletin, Helper Place