An OFW Experience: The Price of

Dreaming of a Better Future

Prepared by:
RONDEL NIEL C. MAGSACAY
What is Overseas Filipino Worker?
An Overseas Filipino Worker or commonly known
as OFW is a Filipino living and working outside of
the Philippines who are in another country for a
limited or definite period i.e. on a work contract.
Their career tracks may vary; they can be domestic
helpers, drivers, construction workers, chefs,
managers, doctors, nurses, engineers, and etc., but
these citizens have a universal trait lying in their
spirits – selflessness.

https://philippineone.com/an-ofw-experience-th
e-price-of-dreaming-of-a-better-future/
 OFWs are considered the new or modern-day
heroes of the Philippines.
Based on the 2015 data from the Philippine
Overseas Employment Administration (POEA),
the highest number of OFWs were in Saudi Arabia.
Other popular destinations include countries in the
Middle East and Southeast Asia such as the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Qatar and
Kuwait.
Migration to the Middle East began in the early
‘70s when oil-rich nations allowed the recruitment
of the so-called ‘guest workers”.
https://philippineone.com/an-ofw-experience-the-price-of-dreaming-of-a-better-future/
Being an OFW
Each OFW has a different story but they all
seemed have one common denominator – poverty.
In exchange for misery and longing, OFWs
gamble their relationships, lives and dignity to
seek better opportunities abroad.

https://philippineone.com/an-ofw-experience-the-price-of-dreaming-of-a-better-future/
The following is the conversation of the journalist with Mr. Richard
Degojas:
Question: What pushed you to work abroad and why?
Richard Degojas: I have this determination to pursue working
abroad for the reason of poverty and I’m preparing for my family’s
future. I also decided to leave the Philippines to seek greener
pastures and experience.
Q: What do you love and hate most about living and working
abroad? Do you have any unforgettable experience/s?
RD: I love the fact that going abroad exposed me to better
opportunities and boosted my skills and experience. However, I
hate the climate in the Middle East, which is extremely hot and
cold during summer and winter, and the racism in which other
races always feel that they are superior to Filipinos. As for the
unforgettable experiences, the way my Boss and other races
treated me (due to discrimination) is memorable to me.
https://philippineone.com/an-ofw-experience-the-price-of-dreaming-of-a-better-future/
Q: After being away for years from your family and loved
ones, I’m sure the first flight heading home was exciting for
you. However, most OFWs said that feeling like a stranger in
your own country became quite a norm for them. Did you
experience the same thing or have you become a stranger to
your family and friends?
RD: I understand the feeling but luckily for me, I really didn’t
get to experience being a stranger to my family and friends.
Thanks to modern technology, I can call and talk to my family
anytime, anywhere.
Q: OFWs often choose to work abroad to achieve something in
life. What are your goals and are you closer to reaching them?
RD: I worked abroad for my child’s education and also to have a
decent home and savings for future business and investment.
However, it’s still a work in progress.
https://philippineone.com/an-ofw-experience-the-price-of-dreaming-of-a-better-future/
Q: When you were abroad, how do you plan your return
home?
RD: As per contract, we do have the privilege of a yearly 1
month paid vacation. But coming home really depends if we
have already some savings prepared for the vacation in which
we normally extend for a few months.
Q: An OFW life should allow you to grow as a person. While
happiness is a choice, are you happy right now and right
where you are? And what kind of life do you want for
yourself after your overseas journey?
RD: Yes, of course I’ve been happy despite the odds. As for
the kind of life I want, I want to be an entrepreneur and the
same time an employee here in our country. There’s still no
place like home for me.
https://philippineone.com/an-ofw-experience-the-price-of-dreaming-of-a-better-future/
Q: As for the final question, what do you want to
say for everyone and your fellow Filipinos who
wish to work abroad?
RD: If there’s an opportunity here in our country,
it’s much better to settle here.

https://philippineone.com/an-ofw-experience-the-price-of-dreaming-of-a-better-future/
The Real Story of OFWs – From the View
point of An Expatriate’s Daughter
Have we ever taken into account the
sacrifices they made to put us in high spirits?
Have we ever cherished the detail that you
entered their minds at some point?

https://www.wheninmanila.com/the-real-story-of-ofws-from-the-viewpoint-of-an-expatriates-da
ughter/
 Living away from their families is a tricky and
challenging situation. Yes, they may have a
higher income suitable for their professions, but
it’s not complete. Money is not everything,
though it is true we need it to purchase the basic
necessities of life.
They swallow their pride and absorb every
criticism other nationalities throw at them.
Believe it or not, even with degrees or advanced
education, some of them are discriminated
because of their nationality or appearances.
https://www.wheninmanila.com/the-real-story-of-ofws-from-the-viewpoint-of-an-expatriates-da
ughter/
 As a daughter of an expatriate in the Middle East, I have
witnessed how Filipinos wrestle with the feeling of nostalgia
day after day. I had a lot of time to discover who I truly am
while unfolding the mysteries of their lives as well. I made
friends who have gone through the same thing—being away
with a loved one.

https://www.wheninmanila.com/the-real-story-of-ofws-from-the-viewpoint-of-an-expatriates-da
ughter/
First, they are not all keen about leaving their families for
work, but it’s the only choice to keep them in good welfare.
The standard of living and the value of education in the
Philippines is continuously rising, too, so how can they stay
there when they can earn twice as much in a foreign country?
They have their goals for the future which seem unattainable
in our country. It’s the sad truth.
Additionally, the time difference and distance do not help in
formulating an indestructible foundation. They arrive home
only to see their sacrifices taken for granted. Their children,
wife, or husband may become detached from them. OFWs
somehow become different people when they first leave and
arrive back.

https://www.wheninmanila.com/the-real-story-of-ofws-from-the-viewpoint-of-an-expatriates-da
ughter/
 For them, gathering every now and then lessens the
ache they are feeling. It’s the comforting feeling of
knowing they are not alone. Sharing activities with
other kababayans can help keep themselves from
having a heavy heart.
https://www.wheninmanila.com/the-real-story-of-ofws-from-the-viewpoint-of-an-expatriates-da
ughter/
The Story Behind the Salary
He left the Philippines as a
hairdresser and masseur and
came back as a social
documentary photographer.
Living in Paris for 14 years,
Ryan Arbilo took odd jobs and
learned photography, did
portraits and captured the plight
of overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs).

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/260620/first-hand-photo-exhibit-records-ofw-plight-paris/?utm_e
xpid=.XqNwTug2W6nwDVUSgFJXed.1
Most of the housekeepers don’t use gloves while cleaning.
Hence, the toxic substances, coupled with the cold weather,
deform their hands and fingers.
Their plight is captured in the exhibit “Chicken Hands” at
Yuchengco Museum. Title is inspired by the Tagalog saying
“Isang kahig, isang tuka” (One scratch, one peck), a saying
incorporated by Freddie Aguilar in his fatalistic song
“Dukha” (Poor).

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/260620/first-hand-photo-exhibit-records-ofw-plight-paris/?utm_e
xpid=.XqNwTug2W6nwDVUSgFJXed.1
 The exhibit will feature nine black-
and-white portraits of domestic
helpers showing their knotty fingers
and weatherbeaten hands, harmed
by harsh cleaning chemicals.
Arbilo photographed the women at a
low angle and with wide-angled lens
to emphasize grotesqueness
The theme was inspired by his
mother Rosenda, 57, whose hands
were knobby and swollen from the
housework and years of not using
protective gloves.
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/260620/first-hand-photo-exhibit-records-ofw-plight-paris/?utm_e
xpid=.XqNwTug2W6nwDVUSgFJXed.1
 Lives of OFWs: The OFWs Experience
This was when many of the workers in attendance really
started sharing their experiences, which coincided with the
factors that the poster highlighted. Many of the workers gave
examples of verbal abuse: “You’re so stupid”, “You don’t
know anything”, “use your common sense”,
and even threats about
deportation like “I’ll buy you a
ticket back to the Philippines”.
It was quite an eye opener to
me, for when they mentioned
these examples, many of the
workers nodded their heads in
agreement about the
commonality of these phrases.
http://composingdigitalmedia.org/f17_dmtp/web/rsy/ofw_experience.html
 5 Millennial Pinays Share the Struggles of
Working Abroad
Name: Gemicah
Age: 24
Occupation: Nurse
Based in: London, United
Kingdom
Monthly income range: £2,000
– £2,500 (P125,000 – P160,000)
Why did you decide to work abroad?
As the eldest child, the primary reason why I decided to work
abroad was so I could earn more for my family. I wanted to
provide. Another reason is that I've always wanted to “see the
world,” to know what lies beyond the horizon.
How long are you planning on staying there for? 
I have a three-year contract with my hospital, so I
have to stay here until that ends. I want to stay here
for as long as I can because I love living in London.
Tell us about some of your struggles. 
The greatest struggle of working abroad is the fact
that I’m away from my family. I had to learn to do
things on my own. I cook my own food and do my
own laundry even when I’m exhausted because no
one will do it for me. I try my best to stay healthy to
avoid getting sick. I’ve also made peace with the fact
that, sometimes, I have to spend holidays alone.
What are the perks?
I get to travel a lot. I’ve only been here for a year, and I've already
been to four countries; and I have more trips lined up this year. Other
countries are so accessible. Plus, I get to buy the things that I need
and want and still have enough to send back home. I can now buy
things that I wasn't able afford while I was working in the
Philippines.
What do you think about when you feel like giving up?
I just think about how blessed I am to actually be here. I always
remind myself that there are a lot of people who would do everything
to get to where I am so I need to be thankful that I am here. I also
remind myself, that nothing in life comes easy. If we want to achieve
great things we all have to go through challenges and we all have to
make great sacrifices. Thinking about my mom also gives me
strength; she worked abroad, too. So whenever I feel tired, I think
about how she’s been through the same thing and how she gave me a
great life. That’s why I’m staying strong—I owe her that.
Name: Camille
Age: 25
Occupation: Project Officer
Based in: Seoul, South Korea
Monthly income
range: Undisclosed
Why did you decide to work abroad?
I had the chance to study in Korea for graduate school for a
year. It was a great experience because I was able to meet new
friends and travel. Afterwards, I flew back to the Philippines to
finish my thesis. While I loved spending time with my family
and friends, I missed Korea, terribly. After graduating, I went
back to Korea, pursued an internship and searched for a full-
time job. Thankfully, after my internship, I was offered a job at
the same company.
How long are you planning on staying there for?
I don’t see myself leaving the country soon. If I can
work here for two or more years, I would love to. I
enjoy Korea’s safe environment and convenience.
Tell us about some of your struggles. 
I know many Filipinos in other countries struggle
with discrimination. I am thankful that I’ve never
experienced that here. But because I’m not fluent in
Korean, some things are still hard for me, especially
at work. And, of course, I still get homesick from
time to time. Independence isn’t easy—and I’m still
trying to get used to being in charge of all my bills.
What are the perks?
I am grateful that my job gives me the chance to
dabble in my interests, and while independence is
hard, I love the freedom!
What do you think about when you feel like giving
up?
When things are not going well, I always think about
the past. I read my old planners or blog entries and
browse through my photos. They serve as a reminder
of how much has changed and how much more I can
conquer in the future.
Name: Micah
Age: 26
Occupation: Cabin Crew
Based in: Dubai, United Arab
Emirates
Monthly income range: 9,000
AED (around P120,000)
Why did you decide to work abroad?
I really wanted to work for Emirates because it’s the
~perfect~ airline and because it is based in Dubai. It’s
my second home.
How long are you planning on staying there for?
I’m staying as long as my body can keep up with the
workload. I’m having the best time!
Tell us about some of your struggles. 
Not everyone can handle this job. It requires a unique set of
skills. Being away from my family and my boyfriend is the
greatest struggle. Luckily, we fly to Manila often.
What are the perks?
I travel around the world for free, and I’m getting paid to do
it! I’m in awe of how much beauty there is in the world. Plus,
my family gets to reap the benefits of my job as well.
What do you think about when you feel like giving up?
My motto is, "She believed she could, so she did." Some
days, I have no idea how I’m going to it, but somehow, it gets
done.
 Name: Zana
Age: 24
Occupation: Surgical Nurse
Based in: United Kingdom
Monthly income range: £1,800
– £2,800 (P115,000 – P180,000)
Why did you decide to work abroad?
I’m focused on my career. Going abroad has always been my goal—
even when I was in college. At first, I thought I'd be heading to Saudi
where my mom is also working as a nurse, but after graduation, there
was a massive recession in the Middle East and landing a job there
was very difficult. I hopped from one job to another, which were all
unrelated to my degree. I served as a volunteer for years in a
provincial hospital, but I was working hard without pay. So when UK
finally opened its doors to Filipino nurses, I immediately grabbed the
opportunity.
I also have a son. And the UK offers a vast number of benefits—free
healthcare, free education, and bursaries for college-level students.
How long are you planning on staying there for?
10 years. I’m still [hoping] for the American dream, though.
Tell us about some of your struggles. 
In this order:
1. The accent
2. The cold weather
3. The taxes
4. The homesickness
What are the perks?
I think if you are an NHS (National Health Service) employee,
getting a visa or going through immigration is much, much easier.
We also get discounts in some restaurants and from mobile
providers. Additionally, hospitalization in the UK is free of charge
in NHS hospitals—although I haven't been hospitalized here yet.
What do you think about when you feel like
giving up?
I think about my family, my little one, and my
partner. They inspire me and they are the reason I
am here.
Name: Pauline
Age: 25
Occupation: Financial
Reporting Analyst
Based in: London, United
Kingdom
Monthly income
range: Undisclosed
Why did you decide to work abroad?
My company sent me to work here on a short-term assignment.
How long are you planning on staying there for? 
I'll be staying for five months.
Tell us about some of your struggles. 
Knowing that a family member is sick back home, and you
can't do anything but pray for them was the hardest thing I had
to deal with.
What are the perks?
I was able to get out of my comfort zone. I travel and
discover new places; I meet people and build new
relationships. They make the struggles worth it.
What do you think about when you feel like giving
up?
My manager always tells us that there are
opportunities in challenges. So when the times are
hard, I try to use it to my advantage. I want to make
my family and my teammates proud.
Families as Building Block of Societies
Filipinos too can reflect on the OFW
phenomenon in relation to the family. There are
11 million overseas Filipino workers – over a
tenth of the population. In any family gathering
of ten, one member is bound to be absent
because working abroad. They supposedly boost
the economy with the money they send home –
a record $25.2 billion last year. But at what
social cost – in incomplete or broken families?
Years ago as head of a national association of
colleges, Jose Rizal University president Vicente
K. Fabella studied the impact of OFWs’ family
separation. It appeared that one in every four
OFW spouses separate. And up to two in five
OFW children drop out of college because of lack
of parental guidance.
What do we know about overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs)?
As a group, OFWs work abroad but their
families live generally in our country. OFWs
send remittances homeward periodically.
These foreign remittances have provided a
steady source of dollar earnings, much like
the exports we sell to other countries to earn
dollars.
According to the Commission on Overseas Filipinos,
there are 10.4 million ethnic Filipinos living abroad.
OFWs, according to the Philippine Statstical Authority
in the 2013 survey estimate, number 2.3 million
workers. They represent 22 percent, or roughly one-
fifth of the overseas Filipinos.
Most of OFWs come from Luzon. The largest
group of OFWs come from the CALABARZON
provinces comprising 18.4 percent of all OFWs;
those that come from Central Luzon provinces,
13.9 percent; and from the National Capital
Region, 12.8 percent. Thus, 45.1 percent of all
OFWs come from Luzon.
The rest of the OFWs come from the Visayan
islands and Mindanao. But it should be noted that
Eastern Visayas (dominated by Leyte and Samar)
provide 9.4 percent of all OFWs; Western Visayas
(Panay and Negros), 6.5 percent.
Fewer OFWs come from Mindanao. Nevertheless,
all the Mindanao regions provide 13.2 percent of all
OFWs.
In 2013, there were slightly more women than men
among OFWs even though the year before the
proportion of women were slightly more than the
men.In terms of age, women OFWs tend to be
younger than men
THANK YOU!!!