THIS year's celebratory theme of the 119th Independence Day of the Republic of the Philippines, Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin captures, what I believe, are the three of the most important issues our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) here in the Middle East are facing right now: Pagbabago (Change) – With the political dynamics that are occurring in the Gulf region in recent weeks, we have to be constantly vigilant and exercise prudence in identifying facts from fiction. We, as Filipinos in a foreign land should always respect the rule of law of our host country, Saudi Arabia and of our own country. Sama-sama (Solidarity) – As OFWs, Filipinos are known to face the challenges of living in foreign, unfamiliar lands. What binds us to our Motherland aside from our patriotism is how we value our family. Filipinos abroad almost always find family among the Filipino groups that they belong to and the local communities that they interact with. This kind of solidarity amongst OFWs and their friends from the local communities keep them from the pangs of solitude and longings for home. Balikatan (Bayanihan) – The word bayanihan has no direct translation into English. Be that as it may, the word encapsulates the spirit of OFWs when it comes to extending their helping hands to their compatriots abroad and back home. Bayanihan clearly is the Filipino concept of selflessness; the essence of helping out one another without expecting anything in return. It is my fervent desire for all our OFWs to reflect on these three issues most especially now that our kababayans back in Marawi City are facing an incredible challenge. As the Consul General of the Philippines in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I would like to wish all of our kababayans in the Western Region a meaningful Philippine Independence Day! Imelda M. Panolong
