Labor Day is a reminder that a distinct class of Filipino workers keeps winning honors for the country abroad and helping strengthen the national economy with their industry, commitment and sacrifice. Today is a good time to reflect on the contributions of the Overseas Filipino Workers to the national life.

More than eight million Filipino workers and professionals may be found in over a hundred countries in the seven continents. Women, according to government data, outnumber the men. The greatest concentration is in the Middle East, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The Filipino seafarers – basic crewmen and officers – constitute a singular class, manning one-fourth of the world’s shipping.

Most live a rewarding, if arduous, life.  Loneliness accompanies self-fulfillment. The undocumented must keep one step ahead of the law. Separated from families, they live the lives of exiles in the host country. Not a few have to endure mistreatment from unenlightened employers or overzealous police.

But the whole story is one of achievement. Some economists call them the country’s best exports. I prefer to call them overseas Filipino investors. They have invested their time and energy in the host country, building the local economy. Their remittances have launched small businesses, built or rebuilt thousands of homes, enabled thousands of children finish schooling, boosted consumer spending and energized entire communities.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is privileged to have played an important role in advancing their interests. We have raised the protection of Filipino workers to a higher priority, have expanded the scope of the foreign service and diplomacy to helping the OFWs enjoy better conditions of life and work.  We rededicate ourselves to that mission on this historic day. END