By JACQUELINE LUCERO

As a child of retired Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents, I carry a legacy of both pride and unspoken struggles. My mother’s journey as an OFW in Bahrain ended after I graduated in college, marking the end of her sacrifices abroad for our family’s future. Her return was a bittersweet moment, filled with the joy of reunion but shadowed by the uncertainties of her retirement and our family’s future.

Her years of hard work abroad were aimed at providing us with a better life. The “Para marami kayong chocolates at toys (So you’ll have many chocolates and toys)” promises were sweet, but it was always about “Para sa ating kinabukasan (for our future).” Her remittances were our lifeline, supporting our education, our home, and our extended family’s daily needs. She, like many OFWs, contributed significantly to the Philippine economy. But upon her return, the promise of a comfortable retirement and a better life in the Philippines remained unclear.

Growing up, I witnessed the disheartening realities in our country. The potential of our returning OFWs, like my mother, seemed jeopardized by governmental mismanagement. Corruption, political self-interest, and poor governance appeared to be dissipating the gains our OFW families worked so hard to achieve. It’s disheartening to see the potential of our nation and the efforts of our OFWs undermined by shortsighted leadership.

This cycle of mismanagement and neglect casts a shadow over the dreams and aspirations of many, especially the youth who look toward a future filled with uncertainty. It is imperative for the voices of those affected, like OFW families, to be heard and acknowledged in the corridors of power. Our very own experiences and struggles should be the guiding force behind policy reforms and governance strategies. The collective effort to uplift and empower every citizen, especially those who toil abroad for the betterment of their families, is crucial in steering the country toward a path of sustainable development and equitable progress. Only through sincere and dedicated leadership, responsive to the needs and hopes of its people, can our nation truly thrive.

The ongoing issues of corruption scandals, inefficient public services, and lack of local opportunities are alarming. They raise a critical question: For whose benefit are our OFWs laboring? When their sacrifices and contributions are mismanaged, it’s not just the economy that suffers, but also the dreams and morale of millions of families like mine.

These challenges not only impact the economic landscape but also exacerbate the hardships faced by OFWs. Corruption scandals divert resources away from essential services, hindering the development of robust public infrastructure and services. Inefficient public services create additional burdens for OFWs and their families, as the support systems that should facilitate their endeavors fall short. Moreover, the lack of local opportunities underscores the urgency of addressing these issues, as it limits the potential for sustainable growth within the country, leaving OFWs with fewer options upon their return.

 Comprehensive reforms are crucial to ensure that the labor of OFWs contributes not only to economic progress but also to the fulfillment of the aspirations and wellbeing of their families and communities.

The Philippines, with its resilient spirit, deserves leadership that echoes these virtues. Leaders must recognize that the earnings sent home by OFW parents are steeped in sacrifice and should be met with responsible governance, transparency, and dedicated service. The decision for our parents to work abroad was difficult enough. It shouldn’t be compounded by a government that fails to honor their contributions and ensure their welfare in retirement.

Moreover, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth within the country is essential to reduce the necessity for Filipinos to seek employment overseas. A visionary leadership should prioritize creating job opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in industries that capitalize on the nation’s strengths. By bolstering the domestic economy, the government not only alleviates the burden on OFWs but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and self-reliant future. This approach not only honors the sacrifices made by those working abroad but also empowers the entire nation to thrive collectively.

As a child of a retired OFW, I dream of a Philippines where families no longer face separation for economic survival. I dream of a nation where effective governance prevails, ensuring that the efforts of our OFWs are matched by the integrity and dedication of our leaders. I dream of future where today’s sacrifices genuinely build a better tomorrow.

We, the children of OFWs, are watching as we carry the legacy and hopes of our parents. We aspire for a Philippines that not only acknowledges their sacrifices in words but also in concrete actions. The path forward requires leaders who prioritize the wellbeing of the Filipino people, particularly those who have given the most. In striving toward this future, we must remember that the true measure of a nation’s progress is reflected in how it cares for its own, especially its returning heroes—the OFWs.