Seminar instills value of money to OFWS in Belgium

By Raquel Bernal-Crisostomo, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau



Filipinos in Belgium are encouraged to save or invest their hard earned money for the future to ensure a comfortable life for those who will be retiring.

In a seminar organized by Samahan ng Manggagawang Pinoy sa Belgium, a micro-financing group pointed out the importance of OFWs’ earnings not only to their families but to the country as well.

“Kung kaya nating pag-igihan at magagamit ng husto ang remittances, mas mapapaigi natin ang ating buhay, matutulungan natin ang ating pamilya, pati na ang sambayanang Pilipino,” said Edwin Salonga of Ateneo de Manila Microfinance Capacity Building Program (SEDPI).

The group also stressed that relatives and families of OFWs should also be informed of how hard it is to earn Euros and to orient them how to be sensible in spending the money they receive.

“I think the most important advise na maibibigay ko sa mga OFW in Europe is magsabi sa kanilang kamag-anak sa Pilipinas kung gaano kahirap ang buhay sa Europa. Na dugo at pawis ang katumbas ng bawat perang kanilang ipinapadala. At dahil dun, sana mas magamit ng tama ng mga kamag-anak nila sa pilipinas yung pera nila”, said Vincent Rapisura, program manager of SEDPI.

Lessons learned
Lolita Galicia, 71, who still works as a nanny for a family in Belgium admitted she learned a valuable lesson from the seminar.

“Kailangan magkaroon ka ng matigas na kalooban para di magiging dependent sa iyo ang pamilya mo. Kung sila ay palahingi, dapat tapusin na. Hindi habang panahon gagawin mo silang palaasa sa iyo,” she said.

She added “Pag uwi ko sa Pilipinas, lahat ng natutunan ko dito sa seminar, ituturo ko rin sa mga apo ko para matutunan nila ang kahalagahan ng perang pinaghirapan.”

Others who attended the seminar realized that while helping family sustain their needs is a noble act to do, it is equally important to save money for “the rainy days” and teach their family to stand on their own feet.

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