HONG KONG (SE): The Filipino chaplaincy organised a talk on their online forum to discuss how to prepare for reintegration with family when the workers return home for good.
Father Jay Flandez SVD, chaplain for Filipino migrants, said this talk is much needed because many overseas workers are faced with problems once they return home. He said before departure from the Philippines, they need to do preparations by, for example, attending the pre-departure orientation seminars for a job abroad. On the other hand, before going back home, they also need to prepare.
According to the chaplain, the speaker, Judi Puentespina, will be involved in a plan of the chaplaincy to set up a family and community reintegration ministry. Through this talk and feedbacks by the viewers, Father Flandez hopes to be able to make a module so that it can help more overseas workers facing this problem by supplying them with the information and knowledge needed.
Puentespina started the ball rolling with the following questions: what is reintegration? Why do we need to prepare for reintegration with our family and our local community? How do we prepare for reintegration?
Puentespina said reintegration means going back to one’s motherland, a reunion and that one may go back home voluntarily or deported. She invited viewers to ask themselves about their original goals and reflect on the following questions: Why did they leave to work abroad? Have they achieved their original goal and are they ready to leave their work abroad to return to their country of origin for good?
She said there are several challenges that an overseas worker has to face when going home for good, such as the lack of preparedness and broken relationships due to long separation; resentment of children towards the migrant worker; pressure from neighbours, expectation of people; over dependence on remittances which has made it difficult for the family to save; and limited job opportunities in their home countries. Moreover, if migrant workers go home with little savings they may feel they are a failure because they did not make good financial plans.
The speaker then give some suggestions on how to prepare for reintegration. She said it is important to plan their return and reintegration ahead. and set achievable goals and time frame. They also need to define responsibilities of family members before leaving to work overseas, and prepare for future employment or investment when they return home. It is good that they took continuous education courses when they are off on holidays to look at their other potentials.
Workers are also reminded to keep in touch with their families and maintain constant, safe and supportive relationships.
Furthermore, Puentespina said overseas workers have to watch their spendings and stay within their budget and save money. From time to time, they need to re-examine future plans, dreams and expectations, see if they are fulfilled and improve their plans if necessary.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
She reminded them that reintegration takes time and workers have to try to fit into the routine of their family members who have been working without them. It is good that if they can expect changes in your spouse, children, other family members and friends, and keep in mind that the workers have changed themselves too.
The speaker advised workers to take some steps before returning home. First, they need to have an open and honest discussion with their family about responsibilities, and spend more time with them. They also need to pay more attention to their children’s behaviour be more understanding.
Puentespina noted that workers may have to seek professional help or counselling if necessary.
