Book delves into lives of Overseas Filipino Workers
Source ::: The Peninsla/ By RAYNALD RIVERA
DOHA • A history book offering an insight into the lives of millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) around the world has recently been published.
Titled 'Footnotes to Philippine History', the book aims to 'reinforce knowledge of every Filipino bound overseas, to help them tackle questions about themselves and their country in their new surroundings'.
Written by Australia-based historian Renato Perdon, the book deviates from the usual history books which demand the luxury of time for their highly academic approach. Perdon's book is an anthology of interesting essays that explore three major topics, namely Filipino identity, the Americanisation of Filipinos and global Filipinos — their tribulations and how they overcome them far from their home country.
"Much can be gleaned from OFWs' experiences in working overseas and Filipinos going abroad need that," said Joseph Jacob, a history teacher at the Philippine School Doha (PSD).
He, however, differs in the view of providing OFWs reading material on their identity. "We need not be reminded of our identity as a people since that is deeply ingrained within us. In fact, it is when Filipinos go abroad that their identity becomes even more apparent as they feel more patriotic and show nationalism during their interaction with people of other nationalities," Jacob said.
"The presence of many Filipino groups and organisations here also proves and reinforces Filipinos' awareness and pride for their identity," he said.
"Anything that aims to furnish people with useful information is okay. It will be very helpful especially for Filipinos who are planning to work abroad. They will be oriented and guided on what to expect in a foreign land. They will also be enlightened on the reality that life abroad is not that easy, contrary to what people perceive in our country," said Jason Iyas, a history teacher at the Philippine International School Qatar.
"The inclusion of the OFW experience is also an appreciation of the pivotal role OFWs play in shaping the country's economic destiny," Iyas added. Published on the occasion of the Philippines' National Historical Institute's 75th anniversary, the book also functions as a quick reference for information OFWs need in their dealings with other people in their host country.
