Risk Takers

According to Wikipedia, In 2013, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) estimated that approximately 10.2 million Filipinos worked or resided abroad. And the largest population overseas is none other than the Land of Free. From this number, the percentage of Filipino emigrants and or immigrants that do not have proper documents is still unknown (need for further research, will get back to you on this).

Also from Wikipedia, Filipino diaspora was sort of a temporary solution during Marcos' time to address two issues: oil issues, and to ease the unemployment problem in the country.

As promised, this is not a political post but rather a point of view from a person who's a product of two (2) OFWs.

Leaving home to emigrate or immigrate is most of the time, a big decision to make. It's never easy. Have you heard of the term “brain drain” ? Yes, it’s true. It’s a combination of diaspora and migration of skilled workers and professionals to move out in search of a better life. And when you're out there and you see a small window that would bring you and your family together, risk takers would definitely take it. Why? Because, why not.

But then again, this is a small window that could be closed anytime. And if that happens, the risk takers are left with 2 choices: some would take more risks to reach the ultimate goal, while some would quit and fold.

This post may not make sense to others. Nevertheless, I hope something from the other side of the coin will somehow make it to the social media as an eye opener to us, all. We will not judge. If the risk takers decide to come home, we should open our arms and embrace them once again. Because those balikbayan boxes that, arrive in our doorstep full of imported goodies that we demanded, were products of their braveness.

At the end of the day, the family / loved ones who were left behind will cherish the fruits from the risk takers. If shit happens, let’s just deal with it later. Que sera sera.