When people ask me where I am from, I always answer with pride, “I am Filipino.” Even if I have spent years working in a foreign land, my heart remains connected to the Philippines.
Every day as an Overseas Filipino worker is a balancing act between missing home and striving for a better future, but my love for our country has only grown stronger through the distance and challenges.
The Meaning of Home
There is a unique kind of longing that only OFWs understand. It is the ache of missing the scent of rain on warm pavement, the noise and laughter of family gatherings, the taste of adobo cooked just right, and the comfort of speaking in your own language without having to explain yourself.
The Philippines is more than just a place on the map—it is home, the core of my identity, and the wellspring of my dreams.
I often think about what the Philippines has given me. It is not just the land of my birth, but the place that shaped my values.
I learned resilience from the daily struggles and joys of Filipino life, hospitality from our warm and welcoming culture, and faith from the way we face adversity with hope and prayer. I carry these gifts with me wherever I go.
Facing challenges abroad
Living and working abroad is not as glamorous as many imagine. There are days when I feel invisible, just another face in a crowd, working long hours for people who do not know my story.
There are moments of loneliness, when homesickness strikes hardest during birthdays, Christmas, or even ordinary Sundays. Sometimes, I encounter discrimination or misunderstanding, and I have to remind myself that my worth is not defined by my job title or the color of my skin.
Yet, despite these hardships, I hold on to the reason I left: to give my family a better life, and in my own small way, to help my country. Every remittance I send home is a testament to my love, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Contributing to the country’s progress
Some may think that what I do is just a drop in the ocean, but I believe every drop counts. As an OFW, I am part of the millions who help keep the Philippine economy afloat.
Our remittances support not just our families, but also local businesses, schools, and communities. We help build homes, send children to school, and provide for medical needs. In our own quiet way, we are nation-builders.
But more than the economic contribution, I believe OFWs help bring the world closer to the Philippines.
We share our culture, our food, our stories, and our smiles wherever we go. We show the world the true meaning of Filipino hospitality, hard work, and resilience. We become unofficial ambassadors, breaking stereotypes and building bridges of understanding.
Gratitude for the motherland
I am grateful for what the Philippines has given me. The public schools that taught me how to read, write, and dream. The bayanihan spirit that taught me the value of community and helping others.
The faith that grounds me, no matter how far I travel. The simple joys—fiestas, karaoke nights, laughter with friends—that remind me of what truly matters.
I am thankful for the freedom to pursue opportunities, even if it meant leaving home. I am grateful for the support of my fellow Filipinos, both at home and abroad, who remind me that I am never alone in this journey. I am proud of our rich history, our beautiful language, and our never-ending hope.
A promise to give back
A lot of us know that the Philippines is not perfect. There are problems: poverty, corruption, disasters that sometimes make me worry for our future. But I choose to focus on what I can do, no matter how small.
I vote, I support local products, I share what I learn abroad with my family and friends back home. I dream of coming home for good, bringing with me not just savings, but new skills and ideas that can help my community.
Mahal ko ang Pilipinas. Hindi lang dahil ito ang aking bayan, kundi dahil dito nagsimula ang lahat ng aking pangarap. My love for the Philippines is a love that sees the flaws, but also the endless potential. It is a love that endures, even from afar.
Moving forward together
Being an OFW has taught me that love for country is not measured by distance but by the choices we make every day. To work hard, to help others, to represent our people with dignity and pride. I may be far, but my heart beats for the Philippines.
To my fellow OFWs: let us continue to be proud of who we are and where we come from. Let us keep giving, keep hoping, and keep loving our country in every way we can. And to the Philippines, thank you for everything. I will always carry you with me, wherever I go.