Being away from family isn’t easy – ask any Filipino working abroad, and they’ll tell you how much they miss the warmth of Sunday family lunches or their children’s school events. Today, let’s talk about something that touches many Filipino hearts: how working abroad affects our families. Whether you’re a domestic helper in Hong Kong, a nurse in the UK, or a construction worker in Saudi Arabia, this story is about you and your loved ones.
The Big Picture: How Many Filipinos Work Abroad?
Let’s look at some numbers that show just how many kababayans are working overseas. These numbers help us understand that if you’re working abroad, you’re not alone – you’re part of a big Filipino community making sacrifices for their families.
| Year | Number of OFWs | Top Destination Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.96 million | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Hong Kong |
| 2021 | 1.77 million | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait |
| 2020 | 1.71 million | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Hong Kong |
Why Do We Leave?
The reasons why Filipinos choose to work abroad are simple but powerful. Better pay overseas means being able to send our children to good schools, build a house for our family, or start a small business. Many of us dream of giving our families a better life, even if it means being far from home.
The Good Changes in Filipino Families
Better Education for the Kids
One of the biggest rewards of working abroad is seeing your children graduate from good schools. Many OFW children can attend better schools, take extra classes, and even study in college without worrying too much about tuition fees. This is something that makes all the sacrifice worth it.
Financial Security
Working abroad often means the family can save money for emergencies, buy their own house, or start a small business. This financial stability gives peace of mind to both the OFW and their family back home. Many families can now afford things they couldn’t before – from basic needs to some small luxuries.
New Skills and Knowledge
Living and working in another country teaches us many new things. OFWs learn new languages, understand different cultures, and gain work skills they can use later. When they share these experiences with their families, everyone learns and grows together.
The Challenges We Face
Missing Important Moments
One of the hardest parts of being an OFW is missing birthday celebrations, graduations, or simple family dinners. Sometimes, we can only watch our children grow through video calls and photos. These missed moments can make both parents and children feel sad and lonely.
Communication Challenges
Even with modern technology like Facebook Messenger and Viber, keeping in touch isn’t always easy. Time differences can mean talking at odd hours, and internet connections aren’t always reliable. Sometimes, family members might feel disconnected despite regular online communication.
Changing Family Roles
When one parent works abroad, the other parent needs to be both mother and father to the children. This can be tough for everyone:
| Family Member | New Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Stay-at-home Parent | Managing finances, disciplining children, making all household decisions |
| Children | Taking on more household chores, helping care for younger siblings |
| OFW Parent | Providing emotional support from afar, making decisions through phone calls |
Making It Work: Tips for OFW Families
Regular Communication is Key
Make a schedule for video calls that works for everyone. Even short daily messages can help maintain strong family bonds. Share stories about your day, ask about school, or just say “I love you” – these simple things matter a lot.
Quality Over Quantity
When you do get to talk with your family, make it count. Instead of just asking “How are you?” try asking specific questions about their day, their friends, or their dreams. This shows you’re really interested in their lives.
Building Trust Through Openness
Be honest about your situation abroad – both the good and the difficult parts. This helps family members understand each other better. When children understand why you’re working far away, they’re more likely to appreciate your sacrifice.
Planning for the Future
Setting Clear Goals
Having a clear plan helps everyone stay focused. Maybe you want to work abroad for five years to save for a house, or until your children finish college. Whatever your goals are, make sure your whole family knows and understands them.
Preparing for Return
Coming home for good needs careful planning. Start thinking about what you’ll do when you return – maybe start a business or find a local job. This helps make the transition smoother for everyone.
Teaching Financial Literacy
While sending money home is important, teaching your family how to manage it wisely is even more crucial. Here’s a simple guide for OFW families:
| Monthly Income | Suggested Allocation |
|---|---|
| 50% | Basic needs (food, utilities, etc.) |
| 30% | Education and emergency fund |
| 20% | Savings and investments |
Success Stories
Many OFW families have found ways to stay strong despite the distance. Take Jenny, a domestic helper in Singapore for 10 years. She managed to put all three of her children through college while staying connected through daily video calls. Or Mario, a construction worker in Saudi Arabia, who built a successful small business back home that his wife manages.
The Future of Filipino Families
As more Filipinos continue to work abroad, our family dynamics will keep changing. But one thing remains the same – the strong Filipino family bond that keeps us connected no matter how far apart we are.
Helpful Resources for OFW Families
- OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) – www.owwa.gov.ph
- OFW Family Clubs in your area
- Local government support services for OFW families
Sources and References:
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – 2022 Survey on Overseas Filipinos
- POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) Annual Reports
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – OFW Remittances Data
- Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Statistics
- International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines
Disclaimer: This blog post contains general information and insights about OFW family dynamics based on available data and common experiences. While we strive for accuracy, individual experiences may vary. Statistics and information are based on the most recent available data as of publication. Please report any inaccuracies to our editorial team for prompt correction. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.
