OFW Journals (OFW Stories on the News) and Some OFW Employment, Career & Business Tips

Name or Nickname: Roselo

Do you want us to publish your name: Yes

Email: rbenotapa@yahoo.com

Do you want us to publish your email: Yes

Country of Residence: Philippines

Profession: Teaching/Teacher

Do you want to settle permanently in abroad and Why: There's no place like home as they say, and it's true. But for now, knowing what is happening in our government and the image of it in the whole world, it would take time to say there's greener pasture in our homeland at this time. Settlement in our homeland is only good if we are staying in Malacanang for six years or so, because we got a lot to spend after that.

Is Working or Living in Foreign Country Beneficial to you and Why: There are bad and good effects in working and/or living in a Foreign Land since we come from different world. It's beneficial if you got lucky and landed a very good job and pay. It's not beneficial if you got a problem since our government consulate offices either will help you or not with your complain or problem. It's also beneficial if you start sending/remitting finances to your family since that means paying taxes also to the government, and you are called hero of the modern times not because you sacrifice the loneliness and be far away from your family, but because you pay taxes to the government and that means, more money to their pork barrel or...you know....

Do you think our countrys economy is getting better because of OFWs and Why: There's no statistics that will prove and show that our economy is getting better in terms of exporting human labor, since even if we do good and pay taxes at huge amount, there's no such statement and data that say, "this is where your taxes go". It makes our currency becomes stronger becauase of the huge volume of dollar selling that makes the dollar lower its value. It may be good for the economy and bad for the family that will exchange dollars to our currency since they will take home less amount.

What could be the undesirable effects when working abroad to you and to your family left back home: It is usually the economic matters which will take effect. Aside from this, no more desirable since families with one member far away from home will have negative psychological effect in our children's behavior.

Are You Worried About the Brain Drain that our country is facing at this time and Why: We are drained already in terms of the brain since it has been so long that we began to be called as Asia's Tiger as i read it before two decades ago. Or just the effect of being smarter, since that means we know how to manage/hide things and business so that others may not see, like the corruption in our government.

Can You give some tips or advise to others who may wish to work abroad too Specially on places that you have worked for: My advice to those who wish to go abroad is that, don't go to countries that speak the language you don't know, or if so, they can speak the language you speak, and to countries of different form of government since you will feel you are not free and safe. China is good only if you want to go to their so called "Great Wall".

If you will be given a post to serve OFWs what could be your plans to protect or serve the Filipino Workers Worldwide: Help them legally, morally, and even financially. Legally in terms of helping them do their job legally with their rights are not abused, morally means helping them cope the "culture shock" so that they could think and work soundly. Financially, if they are fooled by uncrupulous agents and employers by giving them financial assistance either to go back home or process the legal papers to stay or go back home.

What is best about being a Filipino: The best about a Filipino is that Filipino is smartest person that can manipulate government funds without trail. Or being called hero of modern times!!!