Are You an OFW? Land-Based or Sea-Based?

When we hear the term Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), we immediately think of the millions of kababayans who leave the Philippines to provide a better life for their families. Whether you’re land-based or sea-based, your sacrifices, dedication, and resilience make you a modern-day hero. But what exactly sets land-based and sea-based OFWs apart—and what do they have in common?

Land-Based OFWs: Building Dreams on Foreign Soil

Land-based OFWs are those working in different industries abroad—from nurses and caregivers in hospitals, to engineers at construction sites, to teachers, IT professionals, and domestic workers. They create roots in foreign lands, often facing the challenges of cultural differences, language barriers, and homesickness.

For land-based workers, the opportunities may come with longer contracts and sometimes permanent residency options. Yet, the struggle remains: balancing work with longing for family left behind in the Philippines.

Sea-Based OFWs: Navigating Life at Sea

Sea-based OFWs, or seafarers, live a completely different life. They spend months away from home, traveling across oceans, ensuring that global trade continues to flow. Their workplace isn’t an office or a building—it’s a ship that constantly moves from port to port.

I know this life firsthand. I used to do long contracts at sea, sometimes as long as 10 months. It was tough being away that long. But just two years ago, after my company released a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a better schedule: two months on and two months off. That balance has given me more time with my family while still pursuing my career at sea.

Seafarers face the unique challenge of isolation, unpredictable weather, and the risks that come with maritime work. Still, they carry pride in knowing they’re part of an industry that powers the global economy.

What Both Have in Common

Despite the differences in environment, both land-based and sea-based OFWs share the same heart and goal: to uplift their families and secure a brighter future.

Sacrifice: Long months of separation from loved ones.
Hard work: Pushing through physical and emotional challenges.
Resilience: Adapting to different cultures, rules, and lifestyles.
Dreams: Sending remittances back home to support education, build houses, or start businesses.

At the core, OFWs are bound by love for family and the hope that one day, the sacrifices will all be worth it.Whether you’re land-based or sea-based, your role as an OFW is a badge of honor. You may be miles away, but your impact is felt every day in every Fi lipino home that thrives because of your sacrifices.

So, are you an OFW? Land-based or sea-based—remember this: you are not just a worker abroad. You are a hero at home.