The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has raised concerns about the potential impact on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). An opinion article in The Manila Times discusses whether OFWs will continue working in the conflict zone or take advantage of better opportunities in countries like Canada, the US, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand [3928a438]. The article highlights the Philippines' dependence on the labor export program and the need to explore alternative income sources and job centers for Filipinos [3928a438]. It mentions the decline in OFW deployments and remittances during the pandemic and provides statistics on the number of Filipinos in different countries and the types of visas issued to them [3928a438]. The article also mentions the potential for OFWs to become permanent residents in Canada and emphasizes the potential for a "peace dividend" if they choose to pursue better opportunities abroad [3928a438].
Officials from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Philippines have stated that the Israel-Gaza conflict is not directly affecting the Philippine economy [1f878385]. NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon emphasized the need to strengthen the domestic economy amidst the conflict and prepare for its aftermath [1f878385]. She stated that as long as the conflict remains contained in the area, its impact on the Philippines will be minimal [1f878385]. However, Edillon also highlighted the importance of attracting investments by strengthening the domestic economy [1f878385].
The article in The Manila Times raises important questions about the choices that OFWs may face in light of the ongoing conflict. It highlights the potential for OFWs to seek better employment opportunities in countries unaffected by the conflict, such as Canada, the US, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. This raises concerns about the potential decline in OFW deployments and remittances, which have already been affected by the pandemic. The article also emphasizes the need for the Philippines to explore alternative income sources and job centers for Filipinos, reducing the country's dependence on the labor export program. Additionally, the potential for OFWs to become permanent residents in Canada presents an opportunity for them to secure a more stable future. Overall, the article highlights the potential for a "peace dividend" for OFWs if they choose to pursue better opportunities abroad [3928a438].