Romer Butuyan 
HINDI sapat ang pagkilala at parangal sa tinaguriang bayani ng makabagong panahon.
Sa isang kalatas, partikular na isinusulong ni Tingog partylist Rep. Jude Acidre ang pagkakaroon ng kaukulang polisiya o programang makakatulong sa pagbabalik ng mga overseas Filipino workers (OFW) matapos ang ilang taon ng sakripisyo mawalay sa kani-kanilang mahal sa buhay para lamang makapagtrabaho at magkaroon ng maayos na kita.
Ayon kay Acidre, na nagsilbing chairperson ng House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs sa ilalim ng 19th Congress, malaking bentahe sa bansa kung maibabahagi sa mga kapwa Pinoy ng mga balik-Pinas na OFW ang kaalamang natutunan sa ibang bansa.
“Reintegration is a crucial step in ensuring that returning OFWs can rebuild their lives, invest in their communities, and transform the skills and experiences they gained abroad into lasting opportunities here in the Philippines.” wika ni Acidre sa keynote message sa National Reintegration Network Regional Fair and Kumustahan sa Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City.
Giit ng partylist solon, mahalagang maging isang national priority ang reintegration program para sa bawat OFW.
Isa sa iminungkahi ni Acidre na dapat mabigyang ng kaukulang aksyon ang panukalang Bagong Balikbayan Act, na layong matulungan ang returning OFWs na magkaroon ng access sa livelihood assistance, employment facilitation, skills upgrading, financial literacy, at social protection services.
“The proposed Bagong Balikbayan Act also recognizes that reintegration is not a one-time intervention but a continuing process that requires long-term support,” paliwanag pa ng kasalukuyang chairman ng House Committee on Higher and Technical Education.
Ayon kay Acidre, maraming OFW ang uuwi sa bansa dala ang malaking halaga ng kanilang naipong pera, gayundin ang nakuhang technical skill at professional experience na magagamit upang makapag simula ng panibagong mapagkakakitaan sa tinubuang lupa.
“With the right support systems, these experiences can be transformed into local economic growth, job creation, and community development,” dagdag ng kongresista.
“For many OFWs, working abroad begins with the hope of securing a better future for their loved ones. Behind every success story, however, are years of hard work, separation from family, and personal sacrifice.”
