HELPING HOMELESS FILIPINOS ABROAD

HELPING HOMELESS FILIPINOS ABROAD I consider myself a well-informed person. I regularly read online news sites, listen to radio and television broadcasts, and keep up with foreign news, especially concerning the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Despite no longer being a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), I maintain a keen interest in overseas developments involving our fellow Filipinos. However, to my shock, someone recently forwarded me a video about homeless Filipinos living abroad. I could not believe it. Could this be true? Or is it just another case of fake news? If this is real, it raises serious concerns: What has happened to the monitoring and outreach efforts of our embassies and consulates? What about the many Filipino organizations that claim to support our kababayans? How could this issue go unnoticed by the Filipino community newspapers in foreign cities that should be reporting such critical matters? At this moment, I find myself in a state of denial, hoping this is merely misinformation. However, if it turns out to be true, we need to act. Besides the DFA and DMW, another agency that could step in is the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). I find it hard to believe that a Filipino abroad could fall through the cracks without catching the attention of at least one of these three agencies. Furthermore, the agencies that facilitated the deployment of these Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) still have an obligation to locate and assist them in returning home. Beyond our own government agencies, international organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) can also help repatriate homeless Filipinos. If my late brother, Ambassador Roy Seneres, were alive today, I am certain he would do everything possible to bring them home. In his memory, I vow to do my part in ensuring that no Filipino remains homeless and helpless in a foreign land. Understanding the Issue: Why Are Filipinos Homeless Abroad? Yes, homelessness among Filipinos abroad is a sad reality. Several factors contribute to this crisis: 1. Economic Difficulties – Job loss, low wages, and mounting debts leave many Filipinos unable to afford housing. 2. Lack of Support Networks – Many Filipinos abroad lack strong family or community support, making them vulnerable to homelessness. 3. Language Barriers – Limited proficiency in the local language often hinders access to jobs and essential services. 4. Immigration Status – Irregular immigration status or expired visas prevent access to government assistance and employment opportunities. Countries Where Homeless Filipinos Are Found Homeless Filipinos have been reported in various countries, including: United States (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco) Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal) Australia (Sydney, Melbourne) United Kingdom (London) Middle Eastern Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait) Asia-Pacific Countries (Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand) Addressing the Issue: What Can Be Done? The Philippine government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Filipino communities abroad must work together to help our kababayans in distress. Some solutions include: 1. Government Initiatives – Strengthening reintegration programs and labor protections for OFWs. 2. NGO Support – Organizations like Damayan and Migrante International can help struggling Filipinos abroad. 3. Community-Based Programs – Filipino communities abroad have established food banks, shelters, and outreach programs to support homeless kababayans. The Role of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) The CFO, a government agency under the Office of the President, plays a crucial role in assisting Filipinos abroad. It provides: Pre-departure orientation seminars Policy recommendations Reintegration programs Liaison services for distressed Filipinos The International Organization for Migration (IOM) The IOM, affiliated with the United Nations, provides migration assistance, policy recommendations, and emergency responses. The agency has been instrumental in helping stranded and homeless migrants return to their home countries. Conclusion The existence of homeless Filipinos abroad is a pressing issue that must be addressed through collective efforts. If we, as a nation, pride ourselves on being a global community, we must not turn a blind eye to our kababayans in need. The DFA, DMW, CFO, and NGOs must intensify their efforts to track and support homeless Filipinos. Likewise, the Filipino diaspora must strengthen their networks to ensure that no fellow Filipino is left behind. Together, we can help bring them home and restore their dignity. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 05-02-2025