To me, Philippines will always be my “home”, this is also true for the millions of Filipinos that leave the country. Whenever I have conversation to Filipinos here..our faces light up when one would say “makakauwi na ako” (I’ll be going home soon). I’d say the greatest heartbreak that every Filipino would face is not seeing their homeland and its people for a long time. Not because we want to…but because we have to. All search for new opportunities not only for themselves but for their families.
The country experiences various socio-economic issues that hinders people’s stability in life (i.e. job security) and perhaps this was the trickle down effect of post colonial era and civil wars that occurred in the country. You see, a Filipino that you may see in a nearby fast food joint earns minimum wage but the truth is this person (most likely) holds a high educational certificate in the Philippines and had valuable experience. Yes, there are many other ways how immigrants settle in a country but I am speaking on behalf of the Filipinos immigrants that had similar stories. Filipinos are very resilient and hard working to provide for their families. But oftentimes, their competencies, skills, talents are overlooked by today’s job market. These Filipinos are educated and talented and deserve high acknowledgment but to a foreign country…the ladder is even higher to attain career growth and opportunities. It’d take years to retake certifications here and there and all of the other legalities but the bottomline is…all takes time.
Filipinos are able to adapt to any culture in the world, this is one of the greatest strength of a Filipino. Philippines educational standard and training are in linked with the Western World educational system. It is one of the top 5 highest English proficiency level in the whole world. And so this gives an advantage for Filipinos to apply their skills and talents as integral individuals to be part of the global society. This is why I boast about Filipinos in the Medical, Hospitality, Technical, Educational, Political sectors. They’ve made themselves, their families and their country proud. Filipinos also take leaders in the music (ahem…Ms. Lea Salonga),arts, film realm to show their true passions in life.
Filipinos aren’t underdogs, when given a chance we’d show valuable work ethic plus a SMILE on our faces! For this Filipino Heritage Month, Filipinos deserve to be part of the world stage, for their mass contributions to their careers, families and to their country.
To my fellow Kababayans,
Kahit mahapdi ang mga luha na pumapatak sa ating mga pisngi, Kahit gaano man ang mga pagsubok sa ating mga buhay, kaya natin to! Ipagpatuloy ang ating pananampalataya sa ating Panginoong Hesu Kristo. Ito ay magbibigay ng sigla at tuwa ng ating mga buhay!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🇵🇭
Rina Rose 