There was a time when working overseas was discouraged and criticized because of various reasons. One of them is brain drain, the supposedly mass departure of Filipino professionals. The danger and hazards that goes with working in a foreign land is only secondary when one talks about the future generation that will be deprived of excellent teachers or the local health care system that will suffer because we lack competent doctors and nurses. However, that thinking is slowly gaining a new perspective, and this time in a more positive light. 

A new term called, “Brain Gain” is slowly gaining acceptance as more people recognize the vital role that overseas Filipino workers can play in national development. Fernando Zobel coined the term in a speech given by him.

The modern-day heroes must realize that as they guarantee the future of their families, they are also helping our economy prosper and grow. May they not forget their roots and strive to promote Filipino culture wherever they go.

Presently, more than eight million Filipinos are living or working abroad. The Philippine government considers them a national force as their huge remittances significantly strengthen the economy.

Overseas employment has also become more common because of recent changes and development. Some of these are globalization, information revolution, and the changing demographics. As the percentage of the aging population in First world countries rise and the fact that the world is indeed getting smaller because of rapid developments in technology, working overseas becomes unavoidable.

The government must strive to implement programs and policies to make the plight of OFWs easier and to protect their welfare and interests. Mr. Fernado Zobel, in a speech also mentioned that OFWS must be encouraged to save and invest in the Philippines.