The dream of working abroad often carries the promise of higher salaries and a better future for families back home. For many Filipinos, Taiwan has become a top destination because of its proximity, job availability, and economic benefits. But as highlighted in a recent Usapang OFW segment of the Daily Tribune, guest speaker Fr. Joy Tajonera reminds us that the story of overseas work goes beyond paychecks.
Thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) choose Taiwan each year for its thriving industries, particularly in electronics, manufacturing, and caregiving. The country’s consistent demand for skilled and semi-skilled labor has made it one of the leading destinations for Filipino migrants seeking stability and better wages compared to local opportunities in the Philippines.
According to Fr. Tajonera, these economic incentives make Taiwan a compelling choice for many. OFWs are able to send remittances home regularly, allowing their families to afford education, healthcare, and improved living standards. For most, this financial stability is the central reason for leaving the Philippines in the first place.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
However, while opportunities abound, the lived experience of OFWs in Taiwan is far more complex. Fr. Tajonera emphasized that many migrants, despite their vital contributions to the local economy, continue to occupy the lowest tiers of the social and labor hierarchy.
Migrant workers often face limited upward mobility in their workplaces. Many are hired under strict contracts, assigned repetitive tasks, and given little opportunity to improve their employment conditions. Cultural and language barriers also add to the isolation they experience, leaving them vulnerable to misunderstandings or even exploitation.
These realities serve as a reminder that overseas work is not simply about financial gain—it is about navigating systemic challenges that can affect both dignity and well-being.
Rights and Privileges: A Continuing Struggle
Another critical point raised during the segment is the question of rights and recognition. Migrant workers in Taiwan, as in many other host countries, often face restrictions in terms of labor protections. For example, not all are entitled to the same benefits as local workers, and some encounter difficulties when seeking recourse for unfair treatment or labor disputes.
Fr. Tajonera noted that this lack of equal recognition continues to be a global issue. Migrants play a vital role in sustaining industries and caring for families abroad, yet their contributions are frequently undervalued, and their rights remain fragile.
Looking Beyond Remittances
The segment concludes with a call for deeper reflection: the experience of OFWs should not be measured solely by the amount of money they send home. Beyond remittances, their sacrifices come with social, emotional, and cultural costs that deserve acknowledgment.
Fr. Tajonera’s insights underscore the need for stronger advocacy, fairer policies, and supportive communities that honor the contributions of migrant workers not just as laborers, but as human beings with dignity and aspirations.
For many OFWs in Taiwan, the journey remains one of resilience. Their story is not only about earning but also about striving for recognition, belonging, and fairness in societies that rely heavily on their hard work.