The Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) recently launched its latest publication. Entitled “Migrants' Stories, Migrants' Voices,” the book was made available to the public during a launch held on March 6, 2007 at the Scalabrini Center for People on the Move (SCPM). The book is a compilation of various experiences of OFWs and their families left behind. It presents twelve stories written by migrants and members of their families.

The event was attended by top officials of the government from DOLE, DFA and other agencies like OWWA and POEA, partner NGOs, foreign volunteers, and the migrant workers. Before the program started, a dinner for all the attendees was served. It was also a time to have fellowship with the attendees present. The program formally started with the warm welcome of hosts Ms. Ediza Pumarada, Scalabrinian Lay Association (SLA) President and contributor to the book, and yours truly. It was then followed by a prayer led by Fr. Savino Bernardi, and welcome remarks of Fr. Edwin Corros of CBCP-ECMI, also a contributor to the book.

“The book tells the heartbeat of every migrant and their families left behind and this shows the gravity that it takes on our society and we should then realize the dynamics of this phenomenon,” said Fr. Edwin.

DOLE Assistant Secretary Rebecca Calzado, who represented Secretary Arturo Brion, read the Secretary's message. She stated that stories such as the ones shared in this book inspire and bring light on the phenomenon of migration among Filipinos. The stories, according to Assec Calzado, encourage the government, through its offices like DOLE, to help and address the concerns of the Filipino migrants. She also shared with the audience some of the current projects that DOLE is implementing for migrants, particularly the inauguration of their Migration Information Resource Center , a central library of DOLE on the phenomenon of labor migration. She stated that the current publication of PMRW is a great addition to the pool of resources that they would have in their library. She also mentioned about the inauguration of a Re-Integration Center for OFW returnees that will help make good use of the funds and skills they absorbed in their former workplace. She said that though the government makes unpopular choices, such as the Household Service Workers reforms, she ensured all that these are for the common good of the Filipino migrants.

Assec Calzado's message was followed by a presentation of DAWN's Teatro Akebono of an excerpt from the musical play entitled “Iba't- Ibang Mukha ni Misty.” The women members of DAWN showcased through the musical the experiences of Filipinas working in Japan and the trials they face. The presentation highlighted the vulnerability of Filipino women migrants. It also touched on the support to migrant returnees of organizations like DAWN that help in uplifting and empowering women.

After the presentation, some of the contributors gave short messages. Nelson Pastor Ajos, who worked in Papua New Guinea as a Material Specialist for 11 years, said that living overseas has a deep impact on the social aspect of society. He read a poem he wrote about leaving home, for the audience to contemplate on. Mary Joy Barcelona, a former entertainer in Japan and current coordinator of DAWN's Alternative Livelihood program, appreciated the warmth of the audience in accepting their stories. She expressed hope that through these stories, migrants would find hope despite tragedies and problems they might face. Mike Bolos, CMA board member and a former migrant worker from Saudi Arabia , shared the dynamics of migration and his experiences as well. He said that such experiences are lessons in life. Ediza Pumarada shared the sentiments of a wife of a migrant worker. She emphasized on the need for lots of understanding and unconditional love among family members.

The sharing of the authors was followed by the formal launching of the book led by PMRW President, Carmelita Nuqui. Copies of the book were given to all who were present in this special event. This was followed by special song and dance numbers presented by the SCPM Housemates .

Before the program ended, SMC's Father Fabio Baggio then gave sincere words of thanks to the attendees. This was followed by the signing of books by the authors.

This book has elicited mixed reactions from the migrants. Some of them find the stories to be a guide on what life would be on the other side of the world, while other see themselves in the stories. Others were inspired and encouraged to share their stories in the future. This just shows how other people long to hear about the experiences of migrants. The stories, according to those who have read the book, make them realize the hardships that their migrant loved ones go through, which they take for granted. This has made them treasure the importance of their loved ones even more. The book is indeed an eye-opener to all about what migration is all about in the eyes of those affected by this.

he book is currently available at the PMRW office. Those who wish to avail of copies may contact PMRW at (63-2) 724-3512 or e-mail us at migrantswatch@pmrw.org.