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We always view our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as our modern heroes. Leaving behind their lives, friends, and families for months to years to work in another country and be of service to other people who are complete strangers; it’s a huge sacrifice for our Pinoy OFWs to make for a shot at a better life. It’s not just the physical toll of being exhausted from work, it’s coming home to a place that’s half a world away from the people who matter the most.  

The mental and emotional toll hits hard for both sides, especially when the time zones are absurdly far from each other. Those at home can’t fully look out for the ones abroad, and the ones abroad have no idea how their folks back home are faring without them. For all the glamour and adoration that comes with being seen as a modern hero, peace of mind is a bit difficult to come by. 

With mental health becoming a stronger advocacy on the daily, PAMICO and Cocogen gives you a list of things you and your loved ones can do to help alleviate each other's worries. 

While this may seem like a bit of a no-brainer since we all do have calls with our loved ones wherever they are (even your grandma from a city or two over will want to have a catch-up chat over the phone every now and again), establishing a fixed routine gives both sides something definite to look forward to. One thing you can do is to schedule “dates” online, like every weekend at a certain time, you can order your loved one a meal from their favorite place and vice versa, then have a meal over a video call. It could be breakfast with the kids, dinner with your parents, or whatever ideas you have, and it could all be over Zoom to simulate how it was before the flight. Whether it’s the OFW who’s excited to know how their kid’s day at school went before retiring for the night, or a worried parent just waking up early to make sure that their baby is okay on the other side of the world; it’s a nice boost for the heart and mind to know that things are okay at both ends of the line.  

While this applies more to the Pinoy OFWs since they’re the ones who are far from home, it wouldn’t hurt to try to find and interact with other families with OFWs. It’s a shared experience/struggle and it’s always comforting to know that we’re not alone in dealing with it. For those who are abroad, having their own little community can bring a semblance of being home. The feeling of belonging can go a long way in keeping someone from having negative thoughts brought about by homesickness. 

You can only do so much when you’re drained, worried, and feeling alone. Rest is just as important as working because you can’t go the distance if there’s no more gas in the tank and the engine is overheated. IF you have paid time off, take it, even if your only plan is to lie down and rest at home. This applies to both OFWs and the families waiting for them. Life can get to you sometimes and it can be a bit too much when you’re worried about someone who’s near and dear to you. We understand that not everyone has this luxury, especially skilled laborers, but should the opportunity present itself, take it. 

One of the biggest concerns of Pinoy OFWs and their families is “What if he/she gets into an accident?”. Our government recognizes that these things happen and with that, they have passed a law requiring our OFWs to purchase insurance policies for these events. Whether it’s as a seaman on a ship or a nurse in a trauma center, there’s always a chance that things will get out of hand, and that’s what’s even more concerning because it happens when you least expect it. This is where PAMICO’s Pinoy OFW Insurance comes in to provide the much-needed assurance and peace of mind that no matter what happens, our OFWs and their families need not worry about the costs of treatment, medication, and other expenses that may arise from unfortunate events. PAMICO’s Pinoy OFW Insurance not only provides for the expenses of the OFW, but for their family as well should there be a need to fly out and be with said OFW. With PAMICO’s Pinoy OFW Insurance, our modern-day heroes and their loved ones are never alone and are sure to be well taken care of. 

For more information regarding this new product, you may visit PAMICO’s Pinoy OFW Insurance product, underwritten by Cocogen and Cocolife. You may also contact PAMICO at (02)8654-4140 or at 0917-6271879.