A lot of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are called by their families and friends as ‘snob’ and ‘greedy’ if they don’t bring a lot of pasalubong for everyone or don’t always send money in big amounts that someone asked them as ‘loan’.
Many people in the Philippines do not understand that though OFWs might have higher salaries compared with those working back home, they are actually working hard for that salary – and a lot have to make a lot of sacrifices just to send more money to their families.
Photo credit: Kwentong OFW
Recently, Kwentong OFW shared some heartbreaking photos of OFWs that show some of the difficulties they had to face while working abroad, particularly by domestic helpers. What’s bittersweet about these pictures is that these OFWs would willingly sacrifice their comfort just to provide for their families – even if that meant going through these hardships over and over again.
Photo credit: Kwentong OFW
Domestic helpers often have to work until they drop, sometimes literally! Those who work in the high-rise buildings are even asked to clean windows and outside walls with no safety harness at all.
Photo credit: Kwentong OFW
And while many are lucky to have kind employers who let them rest, there are also many who suffer in the hands of their employers and don’t get much rest. Despite working longer hours, most are not even compensated for the overtime work.
A lot are subjected to unfair treatment and have to do things that are beyond their capabilities. Plenty of their tasks are not included in their job description, yet they had to do it because they really had no other choice.
Photo credit: Kwentong OFW
Many OFWs don’t get enough food to eat or if their employers do provide them food, this is not enough for their nourishment or are just not what they like to eat.
Photo credit: Kwentong OFW
And a lot of them don’t even get to enjoy their salaries as they often just send all their money back to the Philippines! While their families enjoy their remittance every month and could but anything they wanted, the OFWs are left with receipts of their ‘pera padala’ as remembrance of their salaries…
Photo credit: Kwentong OFW
Many also have to deal with loneliness, homesickness, and also the difficulties in adjusting with the new culture, new climate, and not-so-good employers. Sad.
Photo credit: Kwentong OFW
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