Despite the global economic crisis, the Philippines has maintained its strong migrant presence abroad, proving to the world that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are indeed world class.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. said that OFWs continued to be hired abroad despite the global recession this year.

“[In 2009], the world is in recession. Our deployment is continuing, there is no major dislocation of OFWs; our protection continues, everyday we bring home as many distressed Filipinos as we can,” he said.

“By and large, 2009, in spite of all this worldwide economic recession, we have been able to maintain a good position,” Conejos said.

It would be recalled that there had been reported displacements of workers, including OFWs earlier this year due to the global economic crisis.

As the year progressed, however, there were improvements in the global economy, resulting in the hiring of OFWs.

“I think in spite of the worldwide economic recession, in spite of the initial fear that there’s going to be a lot displacement of our workers, those predictions have not happened,” Conejos said.

He said the only “major movement” seen due to the global economic crisis had been the displacement of workers in Taiwan, mostly in the semiconductors industry.

Conejos said the OFWs in Taiwan had been “easily absorbed in other places.”

“We still have a strong migrant presence abroad, the government has also intensified our efforts to try to provide protection to our workers. We have put our heads together to provide them assistance,” he said.

Conejos also expressed optimism that 2010 will be a better year for OFWs.

“Everybody is hoping for a recovery. Logic will dictate we were able not only to survive but to maintain our standing in 2009. Hopefully with the recovery in 2010, we will also achieve better results,” Conejos said.