“Migrant Workers’ Day” Is Commemorated By BPI

Although it is unknown when the world will find a treatment for the coronavirus, there appears to be a newfound respect for frontline Overseas Filipino workers who are heroically assisting other countries in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic these days.

It’s not enough to commemorate Overseas Filipino healthcare workers by dubbing them honorable frontliners on this Migrant Workers’ Day. They are heroes of our day. Take Jessica Lamela, a Filipino caregiver currently residing in Israel. She is also looking for methods to assist other Filipinos who have lost their work as a result of the global health crisis.

“I am asked to serve during this pandemic because I am a nurse by profession. But, in times of need, I also assist other Filipinos. Workers who refuse to work are being vilified. Ayaw na kasi ng boss nila na may virus magdadala. I assist them because I am a member of the Filipino organization NAFILCO, which provides them with support and food in times like these,” Lamela explained.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) estimates that 10.2 million Filipinos have worked abroad. However, on May 6, the COVID-19 National Task Force informed the Filipino nation that almost 70,000 OFs will be returned home owing to the pandemic’s worldwide economic impacts. To say the least, these warriors are in pain.

“Wala akong uwian po sa 2009, nung una for two years. Dati akong construction worker, and now nagta-trabaho ako sa factory. At the same time, due to COVID-19, we will not be able to work overtime. Dennis Pascual Maala, an OF in South Korea, said, “Kaya nagbebenta-benta na rin ng ulam dito.”

Cesar Cosep, who works as a Project Manager for a railway system in Jeddah, was lucky enough to keep his job, while other OFs in the city were not so fortunate.

“May mga tao na nagka-cut sa salary nila sa Jeddah. Because of the lockdown, the project has been halted. Their business was forced to close,” Cosep explained. The Filipino community in other nations, on the other hand, remains loyal and strong in support of their relatives back home. They continue to work for them while also contributing to the weakening economy of the country through remittances.

Cushion for Remittances
Despite economists’ predictions that the pandemic will hurt the country’s remittances, OFs like Lamela, Maala, and Cosep continue to send money from abroad through BPI’s remittance tie-ups with internet remittance firms.

“Kahit anong oras po at gusto kong magpadala sa mommy ko, mga kapatid ko, sa tita ko, nakakapagpadala ako using mobile banking. “May BPI Representative na pumunta sa Korea introduce the ‘Pamana Padala’ offering, oramismo natatanggap,” Maala explained.

Cosep concurs. “I use online remittance since I don’t have time to stand in line and go to a real location. This is also for safety reasons. I give money to my family to help them meet their basic needs. “What’s crucial this time is that they have food, medicine, and face masks,” he stated.

Exceptional contribution
BPI continues to seek out ways to advance digital services for OFs and their families at home. This is also the Bank’s way of expressing gratitude for their significant contributions to the country.

“Even in the face of this global pandemic, and even though our OFs are far from home, they can still provide for their families in the Philippines with a hands-on approach. Despite the prospect of an economic downturn, they can still manage their accounts online and take full control of their finances,” said Aileen Lamasuta, head of BPI Retail Segments.

“However, while we know that remittance issues may arise as a result of COVID-19, BPI remains committed to improving our solutions for our brave OFs. We have a robust global network of remittance partners and a remittance solution, BPI Pamana Padala, to provide OFs with peace of mind when they are away from their loved ones. Reggie Cariaso, Head of BPI Corporate Banking Strategy, Products, and Support, noted that this will help them to continue sending support to their family back home.

This is confirmed by Lamela, the caregiver. “BPI was a huge assistance to us at this time because the transaction was very safe and secure, and I knew I could send money to my family. “Ang digital services nila ay ay ay ay ay ay ay

BPI continues to give easy access to relevant financial services for today’s heroes—the OFs who stay unselfish even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic—through digital banking. Every year on June 7, the Philippines commemorates the signing of Republic Act 8042, or the Migrant Workers Act of 1995, by commemorating “Migrant Workers’ Day.”

While Cosep does not consider himself a hero, he does have a fitting description for one. “A hero is someone who goes above and beyond and accomplishes bold things. However, during these tough times, I regard the folks who step out of their homes to help others in need to be heroes. To be a hero, you don’t have to kill. “The days of defining heroes as someone who dies for the country are long gone,” he remarked.

“Sila ‘yung may takot sa Diyos,” says the narrator. Maala said, “Iniisip yung makabubuti para sa nakararami.”