Vice President Jejomar Binay has proposed the use of the term “Global Filipino” in referring to the more than eight million Filipinos overseas instead of the usual term referring to them as “overseas Filipino workers” or OFWs.

Binay said the term “Global Filipino” is more appropriate than the term “OFW,” as it gives more dignity to Filipinos based in abroad.

“Meron na akong panukala na wag na nating tawaging OFW kasi may emphasis pa dun sa “workers.” Tawagin nalang nating “Global Filipino” para maganda-ganda naman pakinggan [I have a proposal to change the term ‘OFW’ into ‘Global Filipino’ because OFW gives emphasis to the term “workers.” Global Filpino sounds much better],” Binay said, adding that Filipinos — whether working or based in abroad — are the new heroes of our country.

“Sila yung naging dahilan kung bakit ang ekonomiya natin eh nandiyan pa, kung hindi sa kanila, bangkarote na siguro tayo [They are the reason why we still have a stable economy. We could have encountered bankruptcy if not for them],” he said. (Madel Sabater)