The burgeoning population of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE can be attributed to the safety of the country, according to a straw poll conducted by the Filipino Times—following the release of the results of the National Happiness and Wellbeing Survey. The year-long study of the Ministry of Community Development shows that 93 percent of residents said they are ‘proud to live in the UAE’ and 8 out of 10 residents said ‘they are living a meaningful life’ in the emirates. In terms of safety, 92 percent of the 10,000 respondents aged 15 and above said they feel safe walking alone at night.
Her Excellency Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister for Community Development and Chairwoman of the Wellbeing Council, said that the positive response of the residents in the latest National Happiness and Wellbeing Survey reflect the UAE’s vision in spearheading initiatives that contribute to the general welfare of everyone living in the country.
“These development ideas enhance the UAE’s pioneering aspirations to achieve the best wellbeing standards through qualitative projects and initiatives launched by the national task forces, bringing together various government authorities to make great efforts in promoting people’s wellbeing, especially in the exceptional circumstances surrounding the population this year,” said Buhumaid.
Philippine Consul General in Dubai Paul Raymund Cortes said that apart from securing the well-being and safety of all those who wish to come to the UAE, the host government has also been very strategic in terms of identifying networks and policies that would enable migrants of different professions to search for economic opportunities for them in this country.
“The reputation of the UAE as a safe haven for migrants who wish to fulfill their ambitions and reach for their goals is grounded on the host government’s warm welcome to the over 9 million expats in the country,” he said.
“The UAE has also been reputed to be a hotbed of innovation which allows business and entrepreneurial acumen to develop and further grow in this country, which will in turn allow more expats to come to the UAE to enjoy these innovations and developments and be an active contributor towards these goals as well,” he added.
Welcome to the safest country
Filipinos in the UAE salute Abu Dhabi after it was named the world’s safest city for the fifth consecutive year; it is joined by Sharjah and Dubai in the top 10 list compiled by the crowdsourced data website Numbeo. These rankings are beyond just numbers; to a great extent, they foretell not only a city’s or nation’s success, but also the residents’ future. This was shown by the National Happiness and Wellbeing Survey, wherein 84 percent of the UAE population is found to be generally optimistic in life.
The Philippine Consul General added that Filipinos, along with 200 other nationalities, become determined to play an equal role in this country’s development due to the security they provide.
“When people do not feel uncomfortable with the security provided—meaning that they have strong faith in the host government and their policy towards building a safe and stable society—people become more focused on building economic opportunities and strengthening techniques and expertise that would make the lives of everyone easier, more efficient, more effective, and more attuned to helping more people,” he said.
Fair treatment
When Anabelle Fernandez first arrived in the UAE 15 years ago, she was filled with hope and optimism that this would be her key to helping her family as the new breadwinner.
The UAE did not disappoint her. Fernandez now treats the country as her second home as she fell in love with how the UAE society treats everyone fairly without looking at someone’s country of origin, line of work, etc.
“In UAE they treat all people equally – walang mahirap o mayaman. Ever since pa naman (way back 15 years ago), napakaganda na mamuhay dito sa UAE. All you just have to do is obey and follow the rules. And life is very convenient; you can reach out for help from authorities anywhere you are,” said Fernandez.
Haven for breadwinners
Perlita Malupeng, who has been working for over two decades as a household worker in the country, also told TFT her inspiring story and gratitude for the UAE.
“Malaki na ang naitulong sa akin ng UAE sa pamamalagi ko dito – unang una na doon ay napagtapos ko sa pag-aaral ang aking anak hanggang kolehiyo. Nagkaroon na din ako ng pampundar para makabili ng sariling bahay at lupa. Bukod dito, natulungan ko din makapunta at makapagtrabaho ang aking dalawang kapatid,” said Malupeng.
Meanwhile, Robbie Tirol, a hotel staff working for nearly 10 years in Abu Dhabi, said the UAE helped him transform his dreams into reality.
“Sa nine years ko po dito sa UAE, unti-unti pong natutupad ang aking mga pangarap. Nakabili po ako ng lupa at nakapag pundar din ako ng sarili kong bahay. Patuloy ko ding nasusuportahan ang aking pamilya financially sa pagpapadala sa kanila buwan-buwan. Syempre, marami na rin akong napuntahan at nakapag-tour na rin ako sa iba’t ibang bansa mula nung dumating ako dito sa UAE,” said Tirol.
Stamp of Safety
OFW Marissa Albano said that since she began working here in 1992, she has enjoyed the pleasures of feeling safe no matter where she goes at any time of the day – a testament to the UAE’s commitment to safety.
“I think we Filipinos find happiness in UAE from the high standard of security, and police patrolling anytime of the day. We can walk freely, we can do our shopping anytime without worries. Everything about this country is full of surprises and worth living for!” said Albano.
Blessed to be here
Overseas Filipinos living in the country express their gratefulness for the UAE’s leadership, whose vision is to ensure that everyone feels the convenience and safety that will make most expatriates treat it as their second home.
“Saludo po ako sa mga pinuno ng UAE at taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng kanilang pagsasa-ayos ng mga batas at pagpapatupad na naaayon sa kapakanan ng lahat. Dito sa UAE, panatag ka na kakampi mo ang batas ‘pag nasa tama ka,” said Malupeng.
They also underscored the importance of free COVID-19 vaccination, which is being provided by the UAE government for everyone, on an optional basis.
“Maraming salamat sa mga pinuno ng UAE at during this pandemic binigay niyo without cost yung vaccine laban sa COVID-19 at mga treatments para mabigyan nang pangalawang buhay ang ibang taong nawalan na nang pag-asang mabuhay. Patuloy niyo pong pinaparamdam sa amin na mas mahalaga ang buhay nang tao at salamat sa pagmamahal niyo sa amin,” said Fernandez.
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