OFW families across the miles : COVID pandemic stories

Abstract

This research was conducted to know the life challenges during the COVID pandemic of selected overseas Filipino workers. The researchers used a set of questionnaires to gather pertinent data which were presented during the interview via video call on Messenger. Three research questions emerged from this study: First, what family challenges do parents working abroad experience? Second, how do the OFW parents cope with the challenges they encounter? Third, what insight can be drawn from their challenges? This qualitative study was conducted using phenomenology method. The seven couples selected from OFW’s all around the world were the participants. The results show that overseas Filipino workers were facing different challenges while doing their respective jobs abroad. In research question one on the family challenges and experiences with parents working abroad, four themes emerged: Experiencing exhaustion physically and emotionally; dealing with the burden of sustaining the needs of the family; going through the pains brought by a long-distance relationship; and enduring weariness caused by the family situation. In research question two, which focused on how the OFW parents cope with the challenges they encounter, four themes emerged: Finding support from God and trusted people; taking utmost responsibility as a parent; getting strength from oneself and family; and giving constant encouragement to reduce emotional struggle Lastly, in research question three, on insights that can be derived from their challenges, three themes emerged: It would help to encourage self to be strong and prayerful, being realistic of the purpose as an OFW, and to People who plan to work abroad need to think of the possibilities and consequences. From these findings, it could be reflected that despite the negative effects of the pandemic, OFW families can recreate patterns over time to retain their familial relations and routines and protect members from corona virus and its consequences. The data were collected and transcribed verbatim, the responses that are compiled were thematically analyzed. The generality of this current study would be a great contribution to the vast knowledge concerning the challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers. The implication to social work as part of the services, basic psychosocial support services may be immediately provided to impacted OFWs and other foreign nationals to ensure their protection from the situation, safety, and a speedy recovery and rehabilitation.