Values

People have different values in life. Some preferred money. Others, political positions and the power that goes with it. The rest, connections to men of influence. Many men who were born wealthy lost their money because they don't have the knowledge to make it work and grow. Business inherited from their parents went bankrupt after employees and trusted officers robbed the company that gives them permanent employment; their bread and butter. Those with political positions and were able to make use of their temporary power while in office gained money through legal and illegal means but lost their peace when they tried hard to cling on to power. Body guards were hired to assure them of their security and those of their immediate family. In exchange for peace, they lived in perpetual fear of their safety. They can't go out of their homes without body guards watching and protecting them. Having tasted wealth they haven't enjoyed before they became men of power, they ransacked the public coffers as if it's their very own. They send their children to expensive and exclusive schools, opened business they don't have any knowledge of, tour the world and saw its famous landmarks and wonders, went on abroad for junket and shopping sprees. When not on travel, they could be found in the casino's gambling tables frequented by the rich and famous. Many would envy, hoping if only "they were in their shoes" they can have the best cars, best houses, best wardrobes, best business and even the best whores. Those without money and without political positions and power were happy to be properly connected to men of money, power and influence. To these people, it's as if they have all of them. They have men to turn to, to use in time of need, strings to pull when the situation or occasion warrants. Getting a job, referral for their children, relatives and friends, admission of their children to selected schools for the elite and even asking assistance or preferential treatment in government offices and government owned and controlled corporations. Name it, they have it. And they don't need to fear. They can go wherever they want to go, wherever they please. In essence, they're more secure. They're not in the line of fire. They're people users. They're low profile. More honorable and for all seasons, people who choose education above money, power and influence, and connection. They command my highest respect. Educated people, even if they don't have much money, not holding positions with political power and influence nor properly connected to people who can enhance their careers are honorable men that decent and respectable youth can emulate and look up to. Disgusting and deplorable are people who are supposed to lead, build, model of future leaders of tomorrow but are shamelessly brazen in stealing people and government money for their own selfish ends. These people can't command my respect. Make no mistake about it. Education is learned not only inside the class rooms. They're learned from our parents, from our elders, from our teachers, from our neighbors, from our churches and even from our common sense. Some would argue, education is evidenced by earning a degree from a school recognized by the education governing body of a country such as Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education. Legally and technically, yes. Morally, NO. Probably, it's the reason why thieves, bandits and brigands can be found in high places. These people don't have moral values. They steal, smuggle, rob the people ¦as long as they're not caught and convicted “ they're clean". They're innocent. These are the kind of people that should be lined in the public square and shot point blank. It's frustrating to find decent people shy away from public service, refuse to run for public office while thieves throws their weight around posturing as if they're commissioned by God to lead this country to greatness like Moses and Joshua to the Israelites. Don't look to far, just look around. Not all convicts are those not educated in colleges and universities. Most thieves are attired in coat and tie, holding respectable positions in our government, in the corporate world and even among the rich and famous. The way we live, the way we raise our children, the values we live up to.. determines who we are and what we are. Do you agree?

Melanie

Many years back while still courting my future wife, we often have her younger sister in tow. She was about eight years old then. She find me funny and enjoyed my company and would often asked her elder sister to allow her to be with us every time we go to church, outing on the beach, going to the movies and even if I'm just visiting her sister at home. She grew up getting whatever she wants from me and my wife and often asked small favors were requested which she usually got. It seems, she wouldn't take "NO" for an answer. When she was a young teenager she would bring my children in tow every time she comes to us during summer vacation. She love to play the role of a teacher, a mother, a baby-sitter rolled into one. My children find her strict and caring. And not without good reasons. Their mother, my mother-in-law was relatively strict and disciplinarian. When all of her siblings were already married, having their own family and growing children, she would still look after their well being. At present, she has 13 nephews and nieces from 4 siblings (our children included). When she returned from her first vacation from work in the Middle East , she has gifts and presents for everyone. If one of her siblings is having financial difficulty and in need of help, she would lend a hand. It happened to us once. When all of my children were simultaneously in college (the eldest is graduating and the youngest is a freshman), she gave us additional amount so everybody won't miss enrollment that school year. Every time she arrives from vacation and return to her work after her sojourn, she asked me to fetch and escort her from the Airport to either our or her brother's house in the city. When she married her fiance almost a decade ago, my wife acted as the mother since my parents-in-law were both deceased at that time. Prior to her marriage, she requested me to intercede in her behalf to explain to her sister (my wife) why she is marrying this guy. My wife is against having this guy as a brother-in-law. She says he won't turn out to be a good husband. As requested, I raised the issue to my wife and discussed the merits of the marriage. Apparently, she has a change of heart and eventually allowed her younger sister to marry her fiance. After the wedding and honeymoon, husband and wife took different flights to different destinations. The husband landed in Dubai , the wife in Jeddah. They would take simultaneous month-long vacation to play their role as husband and wife. In late 2002, my sister-in-law was due to give birth to her first born. She requested my wife to be present during this ordeal. She gave birth to a son. Less than a month later, the new-born died of pneumonia. She was broken hearted and soon returned to her work abroad. The couple took simultaneous vacation again in 2004 and in May of 2005, she became a mother for the second time. This time, it's a girl. Since then, she stopped working to do her motherly duties. Her husband remained a modern day hero, an OFW. It seems all the women in their family gave up their careers to be a full time mother. It runs in the family. First, my mother-in-law. Then my wife. Next, my wife's other younger sister. And now the youngest, Melanie. They're all dedicated mothers. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU.

FATHER AND SON CONFLICT

Young children used to follow and grew obedient to their parent's desire. Without complain. They could easily understand what father and mother means just by mere stare at them. That's what we were when we were growing up. Nowadays it's different. Children are hard-headed. And they're not completely to blame. Parents play an important role in their children's development during their formative years. What these children learned during these years, were retained the most and the hardest to correct if not corrected early. Many parents think, the more hard-headed their children as youngsters, the tougher guys they become. Wittingly or unwittingly, they're making monster out of their children. Tolerant of their children's antics, they're so proud to display their children to relatives, friends and co-employees thinking their children's tantrums and mannerism will bring them a fortune if discovered by talent coordinators looking for would-be child actors and actresses. Seeing children like them in public places as malls, fast-foods chains, trains and even churches, I felt like whacking them if they were my children. I'm not saying my children were the finest in the land. Far from it. What I'm saying is, how did their parents guided them in growing up? Some dogs are more behave than these children. Are they willing to accept that some dogs have higher IQs than their children or they (parents) themselves? If they answered "yes" then - NO Problem, No questions. I raise my hands. Complete surrender. No argument. But if they want to argue, then all I ask is to bring their children and I'll bring a trained dog and let them perform their acts and compare who'll come out more behave, more obedient and disciplined. Many in the audience would say, "the dog is intelligent, obedient and disciplined". And their children? Probably Idiots or Morons. When my children were growing up, my wife used to pinched them in their thighs when they misbehaved. Once, my daughter broke a flower vase, my wife slapped her hands with a slipper. When my sons quarreled over their toys, she got a hammer and let them break their toys. When there's a visitor at home, no one is to cross where the visitor and either I or my wife were seated. When it's unavoidable, they have to say "Makikiraan Po" (Please excuse me, may I pass), when it's meal time, they have to stop whatever they're doing and everybody must be at the table. All of them must be at home by 6:00 in the evening. At age 6, they attended their kindergarten class and at 7, their primary grades. Here, my youngest was the most daring. One day, I was at home waiting for them for lunch. They arrived from school simultaneously since those dismissed from their classes earlier will have to wait for their elder siblings to be dismissed. Their mother was now serving food at the table and his three elder siblings were already seated waiting for us to join them. Before I could rise from my chair reading a newspaper, he approached me and asked if I could help him solve his problem. "Father, I have a problem. Can you please help me solve this? I replied, "Yes, why not? What's that?" He took out from his bag a book, allegedly it was a book but from the look of it, it's not thicker than a komiks magazine. So, it must not be a book. I took it from him and examined what it really is. Wow, the book has many pages missing. The front page was already page 37 and almost the same number of pages were missing at the back. I interrogated him what happened and if he received it in that condition. My boy says, it's already in that condition when distributed. And the teacher is demanding it be replaced with a new one otherwise their grading sheet (or was it card) will not be released. I asked him if he is telling the truth. He said "yes" and added, "If im not telling the truth, I might as well die now, or don't send me to school anymore. I took his word with a grain of salt. I wrote a letter addressed to his teacher and told him to give it to her. There's no problem if I have to replace it. I can donate even several copies of that book. What I don't like and won't tolerate is for some teachers to demand a replacement for a torn book more untidy than a dried fish wrapper and was already in that condition when it was distributed. It's a matter of principle. That simply cannot be. To put the komiks err book in a presentable condition, we took it to a shoemaker and have it sewed and covered with a new folder looking like a new scrap book. After our lunch, (my wife and 3 other children took their lunch ahead of us), I told them to go back to school for their afternoon session. I told my 3 children not to intercede in their youngest sibling's behalf. I want him to express himself. Otherwise, if things doesn't turn right, either me or my wife will be summoned to appear before her at school. What happened as I learned later, was that the repaired book was accepted and no replacement was demanded and needed after all. But, the teacher wants to talk to my wife in the coming PTA meeting. The meeting did take place. My wife was told by the teacher that all she wanted was for the pupil to take care of the book distributed to them. Her desire was simply to scare them to be careful in handling the book. I just smiled and just like my wife, said "Explanation Accepted". My other son, the elder one was already a college graduate and working when we have that serious argumentation and debate. He raised issues I can hardly defend since it's about my philosophy against his. My stand is... To each his own since we have different personalities. He asked me if I know where I'm destined after my physical body died and what remains is my spirit. Well, I said.. "Where else, if not in heaven". He simply laughed and said, How do I know I'm getting there and what assurance do I have to say so. I felt my ego was pricked and my pride was deflated. I felt so flat and so low. He added, "you haven't even read the bible in its entirety and yet you're saying you're heaven bound". Of course, I won't take it sitting down. "I never did anything wrong to my fellow man, never took advantage of anybody, never enrich myself at the expense of another, and tried my best to obey the ten commandments". He retorted, "Not all those who tried have succeeded; and breaking anyone of the ten commandments breaks them all. He's grinning bordering on sarcasm and I can't allow this to continue. And he delivers the final kill. You've read your book THE ART OF WAR, as if it were your bible, your gospel. I've seen you reading that book before I was in college and now I'm three years graduate and working you're still reading that book. "Will lessons learned in that book bring you to heaven"? he asked. " You're full of fears, hatred, competition, survival and killer instinct such that you've forgotten what's love and salvation is all about". Instinctively, I counter attacked. "Stop it. You don't know how I grew, how I lived and survived that's why you're saying like that, "If you only knew, you won't be saying all these things. I have survived life's many battles, many wars that's why I'm still alive. Otherwise, I'm long gone. Momentarily, he keep silent. Then he continued his attack, albeit with less firepower.. "Why don't you go with me and listen to our pastor's teachings. After hearing him, you might have a new outlook and view life from a different perspective". I remained silent. My mind is engaged. I'm in deep thought planning my counter offensive similar to what the Israelis did to the Arabs in the 1973 YOM KIPPUR WAR. I carefully choose the artilleries, the regrouping of my disorganized forces before conducting my make or break assault. Just like in his younger years, he knew when to contain my anger when I’m becoming red-hot and ready to erupt. "You're losing your cool, you're losing your composure", he said and approaching me kissing me in the forehead. Then he continued, "I only wanted you to be closer to god. Unlike what I often heard from you "KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER". Then he patted me in the back and left.

The Pastor

While still in college, my eldest son was already attending lectures on Scriptures. This group of religious young people call their activities Christian Communities Program, CCP and the members were known as CCPians. As a father, knowing your son is in pursuit of the teachings of the Lord felt confident he is treading the right path to manhood and will be guided by spiritual teachings like the followers of Jesus Christ. Most young people would rather enjoy their lives while still young and take advantage of their being under the care and protection of their parents. Some even goes astray, joining classmates, gang mates in unhealthy and prohibited activities as fraternities and illegal drugs. It was reassuring to learn your elder son is serving as a good example to his younger sibling, also a young boy, two hears his junior. Not long after, his younger brother followed suit. Soon, they were attending lectures and lessons together and on some occasions they go to depressed communities giving whatever the group has collectively and voluntarily contributed and distribute them to residents of these underprivileged communities. Two Christmas seasons they visited the inmates of a leper colony in a town north of Manila and gave them token souvenirs and goods that made these patients/inmates feel they still belong to society and people wish them well to return to our fold. Charitable activities were regularly done by these youngsters to raise whatever amount for an honorable purpose. Until he graduated in college and his subsequent employment with his first job he kept coming back to his fellow CCPians and was in high gear during Christmas attending midnight mass, joining and singing in the choir group. Then he transferred to his second job and present employer in a bank in Mandaluyong City , Philippines . During his probationary period, he was asked by his seniors if he is willing to join their Christian congregation that regularly study the words of God and be a renewed Christian. He told them he is already a member of a Christian group since college, was and still attending this group. Anyway, since it's also a group that praises and worship Jesus Christ, why not. So, he attended this group called Christian Commission Fellowship or CCF. Soon after, I began hearing him lessons and lectures on the Bible and one time he asked me to join him in the lecture to be presided by their CCF resource speaker Brother Ray An Fuentes. Topic discussed was financial security based on the bible and the teachings of Christ. I was impressed by the intensity of this speaker. I thought he was just a has been showbiz personality desperately trying to make a comeback after not making it big in the United States and Canada. His speaking engagement was lined up.. here and abroad that will keep him busy for the next several months. This speaker was mobbed by the crowd after he was through with his speech. The head pastor of CCF, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi was impressed just like everybody else. Several days and nights after that speech I began to reconcile the financial security he discussed with the lessons I learned in my academic studies. There was not much difference except that financial security and investments taught in college emphasized the rewards here on earth while the financial security discussed by Brother Ray An Fuentes and espoused by Pastor Peter Tan-Chi were after life… the one we expect to be when our physical/flesh body is gone. While still here on earth, trust the Lord that our prayers and longing will be answered. No problem is too big to remain unsolved. Accept, Believe, Trust the Lord. He is the Savior, he will not left you out in the cold as long as you accept he is your savior. I used to trust my own effort, capabilities and if things don't turn out right, I asked the Lord to get me out of this fix. Suddenly, I realized.. it's not to be. Above all else, we must put our trust and faith in Christ. After that encounter, I began attending bible lessons in Bible Foundation 1 at the prodding of my son. One class lead to another.. Bible Foundation 2, Holy Spirit, Baptism, Discovering Christian Growth and Galatians. I used to think I am assured of my place in heaven as long as I do good works and nothing more. Not so, and it's the sure path to perdition. I continued reading my bible alone, even if I can't attend the scheduled gathering at the place of worship. My son opened the door to me so I learned what being good Christian is all about. I must admit I haven't learned all of them yet but then it's a continuous process. As long as there is to be learned, I'll keep on trying. Pastors Glenn Obligacion, Jimmy Bernardo, Insong Nolan and of course, the most senior of them all, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi. Meanwhile, my son has kept me from drifting off my course. He brought home CDs and DVDs of the lectures and lessons discussed at the House of Worship if he was there and I wasn't. Alongside with the above-named pastors, my son began attending and engaging in animated conversation with this other pastor he reconciled with last year. Their lessons and discussions were smooth at first but some differences in beliefs and theories that can't be straightened out by scriptures and theology strained their relationship. Then last year, they began to reconsider their previous discussions. Newer and fresher approach were made and soon they have a meeting of the mind. Why not explore their ideas and beliefs. After all, this pastora's ideas and beliefs does not contradict the teachings of Pastors Obligacion, Bernardo, Nolan and Peter Tan-Chi. Late last year, this pastor has a new posting and assignment in Singapore, until now. The pastor was supposed to have a sojourn here next month but on-going activities prevented the trip and moved to a later date. The pastor instead asked/requested my son if he can take a week-end trip to the Lion City this week-end. He left the early afternoon flight last Friday, he is taking the early morning flight/return trip a little past midnight tomorrow, Monday. Expected to arrive at 4 AM, he can and will report for duty at his office tomorrow at 7:30 AM. What a busy end-end. Unable to attend his regular Sunday service here, my son must have doubled his prayers while in the Lion City . I'll be meeting my son early tomorrow at the NAIA, the former Manila International Airport . By the way, this pastor is a young woman. PASTOR Maria Divina Mantaring.

SIR NESTORIO, MY BOYHOOD IDOL AND MENTOR

Tall. Ramrod straight. Adjutant's voice. Strict. Commanding presence. That's how I'll describe my Grade 4 teacher-adviser who has impregnated a lasting influence in my formative years and shape my character that last until my adult life. I don't really like him. Especially after that encounter I had with him a year earlier. One day, I figured in a fight with a bigger classmate. He was an acknowledged bully in the class. After dismissal, this bully got my hat and don it on his head. I asked him to give it back to me since it belongs to me and must go home with it on top of my head. The bully was grinning from ear to ear and said, he'll give it back to me on one condition. I must beat him in a fistfight. Our classmates were now heckling and were eager to see a bloody fight expecting that after the smoke has cleared, they'll see one of us badly beaten (probably me), crawling like a snake and asking for mama's help. But they were dead wrong. They've underestimated my resolve. With an eagle's eye, I'd been eyeing the round wooden posts, more or less 2.5-3 inches in diameter to be used in the fencing of our school garden stockpiled not far from us. They haven't thought it could be used other than its intended purpose. Our naughty classmates pushed me towards him so we could make initial contact and the bully will make a mince meat out of me. In the initial salvo, I was hit in the head, stumbled and landed on my buttocks at the seat of my pants right there where the posts were. I grabbed one, stand-up and pressed my attack. He was big, I was small. I swing my weapon and attacked his shin. Bingo.. I hit the mark right on target. I was about to whack him in the head but our classmates and older pupils prevented me from crippling my adversary by grabbing and holding my weapon. The bully dropped, crumbled like a sack of potatoes and remained on the ground holding his shin, howling like a castrated dog. Classmates who earlier were instigating the fight were preventing me now from whacking him, saving the bully from further punishment. Bigger and older pupils were able to grabbed my weapon and the girls were quick to report the incident to the head-teacher, our future teacher-adviser. We were brought to his office/class room for interrogation and the guilty to be meted with necessary punishment. The bully, the alleged victim of my uncontrollable fury and I, the alleged assailant and attacker were now standing face to face. The bully was interrogated first but does not, cannot answer the questions asked. Maybe because he was busy crying and realizing he started it all. My mind says "If he cannot answer, probably he never will.. so I'll do the talking. Not yet asked, not yet my turn I pressed my attack. I said, " Teacher, he cannot answer because he is guilty, he started this fight and now cries as if his mother just died". The bully simply looked at the floor as if looking for a lost dime and doesn't seem to care to answer. Feeling confident I'll be exonerated, I resumed my tirades. That's what happened to bullies, like Goliath slain by small boy David. Teacher Nestorio turned towards me, raised his hand and slapped me. I thought my face grew thicker and numbed. Then he said, "Until you're asked, keep silent. And he added, "Don't talk until you're talked to'. My natural instinct was to hold my face and cry. Now, both of us were crying. Actually, he was sobbing while mine was just rising to a crescendo. Then the teacher asked, "You want some more?, asking as if it wasn't enough. I can't say a word, just shaking my head left to right.. indicating "Enough', as if my jaw has just locked. A naughty boy from the Grade 6 class said, "Sir, whoever cried louder, be declared the winner". Everybody laughed and seconded the motion. Somebody added, "Gene Yu will be declared the winner because he's crying while his adversary is now just sobbing. "Right", another added. And Gene gets his hat back. Would you believe? this time I'm laughing while still crying because of their naughty remarks. I saw the teacher beaming in the corner of my eyes. The bully can't even raise his face. He's just stooping there. Then the teacher told us to shake our hands, don't repeat this unfortunate incident, gave the hat back to me and asked us if we're still angry with each other before everybody was finally dismissed.

After a few months, the school year ended. And on recognition day, I was first in the honor roll, an improvement from the previous years 3^rd. The deposed 1^st was now in fourth, the 4^th was now 3^rd, and the previous 2^nd place has managed to maintain his position. The following school year opened (we're now in grade 4), everybody is everybody's classmate again. Including the bully I whacked last year. Right on opening day, I actively participated in class recitation. Not much change happened. It's just like last year. We've managed to maintain our respective position. Everyday, before the class starts, we recited a prayer to guide us in our studies. After that, Sir Nestorio will deliver a sermon that tackles the virtues we have to learn as young pupils that must be turned into habits that will shape our character that we can pass on to our children when we're already adult. He emphasized that good manners, right conduct, virtues are best learned and practiced in youth since it will be automatically done in any situation. Observance of proper etiquette, protocol and proper decorum is demanded at all times. At that time, I just took it in stride since I'm pre-occupied with my being the top gun in academics. I have been disciplined at home by strict parents and I deemed it superfluous and overkill to be subjected to these long sermon as if we're convicts being reformed. Anyway, I just keep it to myself alone. What will I lose if I play along. Nothing. It won't cost me a penny. Before long, I didn't realize I'm already doing it on my own initiative. I was so focused in my preparations for our daily activities and I was so determined to stay on top. For me, academic competition mattered most. The rest… industrial and agricultural education where we're taught how to fix and repair woodwork, broken chairs and tables and planting vegetables were for pupils with less intellect. Gradually, I'm yearning to hear Sir Nestorio's homily every morning and I'm beginning to appreciate it. I grudgingly admitted to myself I must excel too in this subject, GMRC, Good Manners and Right Conduct if I want to maintain my ranking. My fear then, what if I beat them in academics and I'm beaten in GMRC, well I might be demoted to 2^nd, 3^rd and even last among the pupils with honor. The virtues he imparted to us then and still my basis for my relationship towards my family, neighbors, co-workers, relatives, friends and even enemies were learned from Sir Nestorio. Mere words and speeches, will not and cannot convince me if people who espoused it does not put it into practice. Sir was different. I was already in Grade 5 ( I was the 1^st placer in the class under him in Grade 4) when he did something that convince me and I can still vividly remember what is this and why he did it. His daughter, our junior is attending the Grade 4 class under her own father as teacher-adviser. She was first placer the year before from a different teacher. Now, her father will naturally make her 1^st placer in the current school year. So people thought. Before the ranking was done, a comprehensive exam in all subjects will be given to all pupils in the running for honors. His daughter was already in the running for 1^st place. The second placer was already beaten twice, in grade 2 and grade 3. In due time, the comprehensive exam will be given. The honor pupils in grade 5 and grade 6 were made the watcher in that event. Other teachers prepared and administered the exam with Sir Nestorio inhibiting. We checked their papers and when the result was out, her daughter came out on top. The second placer was soundly beaten. When recognition day comes, her daughter was awarded 2^nd place. The beaten adversary was now receiving the gold medal. At that time, I was confused. His daughter deserved to be the 1^st placer, why then give the award to her opponent.. She was beaten fair and square. When I asked him, why he reversed their placing, he simply said "Out of Delicadeza". We honestly believed, his daughter deserved the top ward, but then the father prevented it. Years later, I realized and learned what this is all about. "Sense of Propriety'. Sir Nestorio stands head and shoulder above most lawmakers and other public servants today. I then recalled and reviewed his past sermons and appreciate it even more. The virtues he espoused, advocated and passed on to us guided me in my adolescence, manhood and adult life. Among them aside from the above are honesty, sincerity, punctuality, courage, integrity, loyalty, respect to elders, golden rule or reciprocity, kindness, perseverance, tenacity, steadfastness, trustworthy, word of honor, teamwork, commitment. Many other virtue and lessons were imparted to us, but for me, they're the standout. If and when I have to time to return to my hometown, I'll pay respect to the grave of this great man. I felt blessed and honored to be under this disciplinarian. Thank you, Sir Nestorio.

EMPLOYMENT and WORKERS

Every end of school year, thousands of graduates joined the labor force seeking employment. Very few were lucky to land a job, and still fewer got the job that they were prepared in college. Many joined the ranks of the unemployed. For those lucky few who were employed, they were not adequately paid, receiving salaries and wages lower than the mandated minimum. Anyone without experience, to be employed is already something to be proud of. Many graduates were not able to land a job until their age has overtaken the opportunities for employment. At a certain age, a jobseeker must be a graduate of the course and is prepared for the job and position he/she is trying to apply. On the job training while still a student is something but not an assurance to get employed. Some became an entrepreneur since getting employed has not given them a break. And yes, their parents and relatives have loaned and given them a capital to start a business. Many graduates and job-seekers find themselves working in foreign countries after years of hunting jobs in the local market. They paid placement fees to recruiters nobody is sure if it's legal and authorized to recruit and hire applicants and process their applications. They demand an initial down payment so processing of their applications can be done immediately and their departure given priority. Parents hoping their children can depart for their posting abroad immediately raise money by mortgaging their agricultural land, house and lot, even selling their cattle and farm implements so son or daughter can begin receiving salary to bail them out from monetary obligations. Younger siblings expect them to help defray their education since their parents find it hard to send them to school and earn their college education. Some employers abused our overseas workers. They didn’t comply with the terms of the contract and give them salary way below the stipulated amount.. They were made to work long hours without getting overtime premium for extended labor. Domestic helpers were not properly given food. Some domestic helpers complain they were made to eat left over foods some dogs won't eat. Our government officials posted overseas were remiss in the performance of their duties. Not all of them of course. But, many are indifferent. They didn't seem to care the welfare and well being of our countrymen. Our workers should be treated as humans and not as mere commodities. I sympathize with our workers who have to left their families behind to earn bread abroad to support their dependents wanting to survive. Leaving our love ones is a sacrifice we can bear emotionally and physically only if at the end of the day, all our efforts were not in vain. Building a house for our family, proper education for our children, savings in anticipation of our old age when we're not productive in earning money for our daily needs will somehow ease the pain. Some who can't bear the thought of being separated from their love ones will make do with whatever is available here even if it means belt-tightening for the entire family. Children are willing to have a lesser allowance as long as both father and mother are around to guide them in their growing up. After all, they reason, money is just something that can make them happy but not all happiness can be bought with money. Children would say, we are willing to give up something or even everything we deeded as luxury as long as we have both mommy and daddy. The ambitious ones, children and parents alike, would prefer the temporary separation as long as everybody commit to sacrifice something for the sake of greater glory in the end. Father would like to buy a car when he permanently return, start a new business when he decides to stop working overseas, mother will start a business of her own.. the long awaited opening of a mini-mart or boutique when dear husband comes home. Children will pursue a degree in medicine, law, engineering all expensive courses, our meager earnings here can not afford. Relatives in need of help will be given dole outs if not something for them to start their own livelihood. Domestic workers take 2^nd or part time jobs to augment the meager salary not enough to support all the needs of the family. Some will do tutorial work after office hours and even on weekends, other will serve foods in-between meals in the neighborhood, the rest will deliver and supply fruits, meat and fish to selected eateries, others in parlors and wellness centers. Workers - the backbone of our economy must be given their due, recognition, just and commensurate compensation. On the occasion of the celebration of Labor Day, may our workers, here and abroad be given everything they deserve. We don't need to beg. It's something we rightfully deserve. Long live the workers.