Domestic helpers from the Philippines is a byword that refers to Filipino people working as maids in other countries. Lately, the current President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, tagged them as supermaids, and for good reason. Humnan beings that they are, these maids from the Philippines are suffering from pain, separation anxiety, and longing for the families they left behind, and yet, they have to continue to endure all these in the hope of being able to provide a better life for their families back home.
It is common to middle class families anywhere to hire from a maid - either those who live-in or from one who lives out. However, here in the Philippines, maids suffer from low wage and extreme work compared to domestic helpers in other countries. A beginner is lucky enough to get $20 a month as salary while a long time servant makes between $30 and $40 and free food and lodging. It is indeed due to financial need and poverty that forces more homemakers to venture in foreign lands. This exodus also includes numerous professional who choose to work abroad than suffer poverty in the country. But simply speak the name of a Filipina and what will follow is an utterance of praises from their employers.
They were formerly known as DH - short cut for domestic helpers. Now, these domestic helpers from the Philippines, as initiated by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, are now called supermaids. Indeed, their new title fits their superhero-like prowess.Just like Super Man and other superheroes, these domestic helpers from the Philippines seem to showcase titan-like en
ergy. They can do house chores before the sun rises and rest close or after the midnight. They are all around. They can be housekeepers, cooks, baby sitters, and care givers. Just name it, and a Filipina will never say no.
Domestic helpers are the Philippine’s pride anywhere they go; they are never a disappointment. In many countries, it is considered a great achievement to have a Filipino maid in one’s abode.
In Great Britain, for instance, the rich and the famous, including royal families and wealthy businessmen are employing Filipina maids. Likewise, in France and Italy, the same holds true. In Greece, only families belonging to the middle-class and up can afford the pay rate of Filipina maids.
Indeed, to have a Filipina in a foreign household is a pride to an employee. In England, royalties, elites, and rich businessmen have Filipina servants. So as in Italy and France. In Greece, a family is considered well-to-do if they have a maid coming from the Philippines.
Another reason why Filipinas are preferred is their ability to communicate well in English. They are also fast learners with the language their employers speak. Unlike the Chinese, Mexicans, and Indians, they speak more fluent and understand their employer’s instruction better because they know their language.
Indeed, domestic helpers from the Philippines are in demand abroad. Not only because they are Filipinas, are they also workers who give their whole heart in the work they choose to do. That is why they are respected and, in turn, earn a lot of benefit from it.
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