Walk proud, Global Pinoys

More than 3,000 Filipinos join the fast-growing community of Global Pinoys each day, adding to the 11 million Filipino migrants, tourists and professionals who inevitably share the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage with the rest of the world. However, the exodus for opportunities abroad also brings consequences.

Global Pinoys serving in various fields of expertise and industries can be found in almost every state and country. They excel in their careers as nurses, doctors, caregivers, managers, teachers, engineers, IT professionals and contractual employees. They also impart to the world certain Filipino traits such as hospitality, close family ties, optimism, and bayanihan or communal spirit in their daily interactions.

Global Pinoys, specifically the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), contribute positively to Philippine economy by sustaining it with remittances and investments. According to Philippine government data, remittances from OFWs in the US, Saudi Arabia, UK, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong reached $5.36 billion during the first four months of 2008. Investments made by migrant Pinoys further increase the country’s capital for developments in infrastructure and the financial markets.

The families of Global Pinoys primarily benefit from the fruits of diligence overseas. Relatives of migrants and families of OFWs are able to provide the means for quality education for their children and thus help strengthen the country’s human resources. Their dreams of owning real estate, buying the latest clothes and gadgets, and traveling for leisure are made possible.

Outstanding Filipino qualities are highlighted in sports, entertainment and governance as well. Pinoy world champions, celebrities and renowned personalities with Filipino roots are gaining global popularity via cable channels and the internet. They also boost the national spirit while introducing to the world the country’s culture, its many travel destinations, and emerging potentials as a developing nation.

On the other hand, the social costs of migration -- such as loneliness, the sad plight of families that were left behind, abuses or maltreatment of OFWs, “brain drain” and many other unaddressed woes of Global Pinoys -- likewise deserve urgent attention. These consequences are not to be shrugged off as they affect millions of direct dependents and the country in general.

Existing problems and the recent economic dip rouse Global Pinoys to find new opportunities for growth. Being a resilient, highly adaptive and capable people, Global Pinoys will certainly be able to effect favorable solutions to the negative impact of departures and migration.

The Global Pinoys, with their inherent optimism and determination, can indeed surmount the challenges ahead and keep on walking tall.

drafted as an editorial