Legislation Proposed to Declare December 18 as 'OFW Day'

A bill has been put forward by OFW Party-List Representative Marissa Magsino, urging the declaration of December 18 as "Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFWs) Day" annually in the Philippines. This initiative is in reference to the United Nations General Assembly's resolution from December 18, 1990, which established the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and their Families, concurrently marking December 18 as International Migrants Day.

Significance of December 18 for Overseas Filipino Workers

Under House Bill No. 7903, December 18 would be marked as a special working holiday across the country. Representative Magsino emphasized the crucial role played by overseas Filipino workers, hailing them as modern-day heroes due to their substantial financial contributions through remittances. She highlighted that these remittances serve as a lifeline for families while also stimulating local markets and boosting the national economy.

Contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers to the Philippines

Statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority reveal that approximately 1.8 million OFWs are dispersed globally. Representative Magsino underscored the important role OFWs played during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that despite the global challenges, the remittances from these workers amounted to an impressive US$34.884 billion in 2021, playing a crucial role in sustaining the national economy during such challenging times.