“Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes.”
- John Myrdal
At present time, there are millions of Filipinos currently living abroad. Most are working, while some are studying. And others simply seek greener pastures in foreign lands. They have been given the title of “New Heroes” in our country. Back here at home, people are delighted at how the economy remains fair due to support from OFW remittances sent here by those who have families left at home.
Many people seek to obtain the opportunity to go abroad. Why is this so? We Filipinos find ourselves looking for something more. Our desire is manifested by needs that pressure us through day-to-day living. Some people come to the point where they find their place here at home insufficient to meet their needs. And therefore, choose a more difficult choice of leaving the place they were born in.
Although contrary to popular belief, there is always a difficult choice involved when deciding whether to leave the country. We face circumstances where we have to choose to leave not just our homeland but also our families behind for the sake of better opportunities abroad. I do not believe that the Philippines is no longer capable of providing the people with better living. But immediate response against poverty and necessity pushes people to go otherwise.
- John Myrdal
At present time, there are millions of Filipinos currently living abroad. Most are working, while some are studying. And others simply seek greener pastures in foreign lands. They have been given the title of “New Heroes” in our country. Back here at home, people are delighted at how the economy remains fair due to support from OFW remittances sent here by those who have families left at home.
Many people seek to obtain the opportunity to go abroad. Why is this so? We Filipinos find ourselves looking for something more. Our desire is manifested by needs that pressure us through day-to-day living. Some people come to the point where they find their place here at home insufficient to meet their needs. And therefore, choose a more difficult choice of leaving the place they were born in.
Although contrary to popular belief, there is always a difficult choice involved when deciding whether to leave the country. We face circumstances where we have to choose to leave not just our homeland but also our families behind for the sake of better opportunities abroad. I do not believe that the Philippines is no longer capable of providing the people with better living. But immediate response against poverty and necessity pushes people to go otherwise.
In my family, almost three fourths have left for different countries. Even though it pains me do so, there will come a time when I too will follow suit. Deep in my heart, I do not want to leave the Philippines. But, also in my mind, I find it more attractive to go abroad. Perhaps, it is because of the will of my family which encourages me or the urge to go somewhere new, I am still not sure. Nevertheless, I promised myself that once I go abroad, I would come back here in the Philippines to do my part in its continuing development. Although I leave to somewhere new, I will return not the same as when I left; but someone better.
Joseph Jacob C. Cruz
POSC 1 - X
