The Struggle of an OFW



The life of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is really exciting and at times very frustrating. They will undergo a lot of tedious and tiring process before they can be deployed to their country of choice.

Newspaper ads, leaflets, brochures, job fairs, internet search, referral by friends - these are just some of the ways to get started working abroad. Checking the agency’s reputation in POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Agency) is also worth while doing because this will save you some time later if in case unwanted problems arise.

Preparing the necessary and valid documents such as Philippine Passport, School Records, Government clearances (NBI - National Bureau of Investigation), valid ID’s and more, are all the things needed to prepare. Each documents takes some days to be released and will require some money. In between these days, there is also the pressure of losing all the savings you have. Before this could happen, our beloved OFW’s should take slow but sure steps in achieving their goal.

Some agencies have to line up in long lines and wait for their turn to be called. Some agencies conduct free orientation / briefing / seminar for OFW’s. They explain the country’s background, culture and their economy. As part of the orientation, the documents that the agency require to submit are explained in detail.

It’s sad to hear that there are some who have been a victim and fooled by some scrupulous agencies and illegal recruiters knowing how hard they have earned their money.

Prior to the employer’s interview, agency staff evaluates theirs skills and strengths. Some job orders have age, educational and height requirements for some not. The evaluator will check if they fit into those requirements. If not, the unfortunate OFW will be asked to wait for their phone call and wait for the next job order that will be available for them.

After thoroughly complying and submitting all the necessary documents, the day of final judgment comes. They have to come early and prepare well for this day. As usual, they have to wait for their turn to be called again. They know exactly well that they have to do well on their interview day. Pressure mounts and the tension rises. It’s undeniable one can’t avoid the jitters and the pressure because the competition is tight.

After this is all over, some agencies provide lists of candidates who passed the interview while some not. Others have to follow-up through phone. Candidates who passed, will have to undergo their medical examinations, PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) in POEA and submit the remaining needed documents. After all is settled, OFW’s will sign their contract and wait for the advise of their deployment.

In summary, the struggle of an OFW from day one to their deployment is hard. They sacrifice and gamble their lives to reach their dreams and hopes just to have a bright future. It takes guts and great courage. It takes time, eagerness, passion, dedication, determination and patience to survive this ordeal. It’s also worth mentioning that some OFW’s recover their money spent some several months later, others take a year or so.

These OFW’s are our real life heroes. We take pride in each and everyone of them. They take their chances working in a foreign land. They will miss their homeland, their loved ones, the food they eat, but nonetheless, it’s all worth it.