EDITORIAL — In harm’s way

The Middle East crisis is highlighting not only the vulnerability of oil-importing countries like the Philippines to armed conflict in that volatile region, but also the risks faced by the millions of Filipinos who are working abroad due to the lack of opportunities in their own land.

Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran, there has been a steady stream of overseas Filipino workers returning to the Philippines to get out of harm’s way. The Middle East is home to the largest concentration of OFWs and their dependents.

The number of repatriates is low compared to the estimated two million Filipinos working or living in the region. A common reason for this is the concern of OFWs that they could lose their employment if they go back to the Philippines, with no chance of getting the jobs back. 

In the current crisis, OFWs are also pinning their hopes on a speedy end to the conflict, with US President Donald Trump indicating little appetite for a protracted war and talking about negotiations with Iran.

It’s not the first war in the Middle East, and it’s unlikely to be the last. Yet over a million OFWs, a number of them living in the region with their families, are willing to risk life and limb for decent employment and livelihood opportunities. 

The Iran war should highlight the urgency not only of minimizing the Philippines’ complete dependence on imported crude oil and petroleum products, but also the importance of creating an environment that will make it unnecessary for Filipinos to seek greener pastures overseas.

Creating meaningful, sustainable employment calls for an environment that will attract the investments that will generate those jobs. In this aspect, the country has been left behind by most of its Southeast Asian neighbors.

Two laws aiming to promote ease of doing business have yet to be implemented properly; red tape is built into government processes to promote the collection of grease money. The stalled crackdown on large-scale corruption is compounding the problem. 

At the same time, the country has to invest more in the development of its most precious resource, the people. Education is in crisis and public health care is seriously inadequate. Poor nutrition is producing generations of Filipinos suffering from physical and mental stunting.

More than occasional state dole-outs, often featuring self-promoting politicians, people need empowerment to realize their potential and secure their future, fully equipped for the challenges of global competition. For such empowered Filipinos, working overseas would be an option rather than a necessity.