The O.F.W.’s

The world’s biggest group of seafarers are Filipinos. There are 5 reasons for this. 1. They speak, read and write in English. 2. 95% are graduates of nautical schools. 3. All know how to use computers and are easy to teach the latest electronic machines. 4. They are workaholics because they know that at the end of each voyage, the ship owners evaluate their work. 5. The shipowners know that Filipino seafarers have deep religious beliefs.

These seafarers send millions of dollars every month to their families. The Central Bank records show that the remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (O.F.W.) which include the seafarers are the number one source of dollars. Our economy is healthy because of the heroic sacrifices of the O.F.W’s.

It is heartbreaking to see children growing up without their fathers and mothers who are working abroad so that their families may live. We hope the parishes will continue their programs to give special attention and support to the families of the O.F.W’s, especially the seafarers.