In today’s times where the buzzword seems to be Saudization, it is often easy to overlook the contributions made by others toward the development of this country, particularly in the last three decades.
And perhaps no expat community can boldly claim the mantle of the influential movers within the expat community today as the Filipinos justifiably could. Whether in sports or in any other field, the Filipinos stand out and above the rest; they seem to do extremely well in every line of work. Professional and courteous, they manage to while away at their jobs with a smile.
Be they doctors or engineers, nurses or technicians, service personnel or salesmen, these hundreds of thousand guest workers have every right to be recognized for the positive efforts they have exerted toward the building and running of this nation. And it is not just within the scope of their jobs that they have excelled in.
Even within their own community, they have built the network of a large family. One that proudly looks after its own. There are Filipino organizations and Filipino community leaders who use their time and resources to help fellow Filipinos learn and refine the skills needed on their jobs, such as computer training, business skills, medical assistance, etc.
Mr. Ed Rufino, a former chairman of OFWCC (Overseas Filipino Workers Cooperative Council), is one of those who helps tirelessly in providing continuing education to a lot of Filipinos through computer literacy programs and how to organize, manage and create cooperative organizations. The expats may use these skills to put up their own business when they return home for good. The seminars and training offered are virtually free of charge.
The Alyansa ng mga Samahang Pilipino sa Ibayong Dagat (ALYANSA) is an organization of Filipinos that provides assistance for the OFWs’ welfare, such as in the case of the 13 Filipino fishermen stranded here recently. They were finally able to return home because the group was in constant communications with the relevant authorities and even helped them with their basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. This organization also helps OFWs who are abused by their employers and also those who are in jail and need legal assistance and counseling.
Arlen Sallador, a former chairman of CISA (Circulo Ilongo — Saudi Arabia) participates in a group of humanitarians who have been conducting medical missions. The project caters to providing free medical consultations with medical prescriptions, health education and awareness lectures, dental services, and basic laboratory tests and anti-meningitis vaccination drives. Most of the recipients are Filipinos and other expatriates who cannot always avail of such services mainly because these people are not always covered by medical insurance that only big companies can afford.
These are but a few groups mentioned among countless others that are putting a lot of effort and free time and using their own resources toward helping other Filipinos.
Even in local sports, there are many Filipino groups who are actively conducting and participating in leagues such as bowling, basketball, tennis, darts, chess, etc. One just has to read the sports section of this newspaper, especially on Fridays, to realize their impact on the domestic sports arena.
Yes indeed. The Filipinos here, just as the hundreds of thousands who had passed through this soil in earlier years have every reason to be proud! They have indeed given it all that they had, and with a pleasant smile. And to them we hold our heads in gratitude. “Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat”.
