FROM the first issue of Pinoy Balita until now, we have always emphasized the need of OFWs to unite so that as a solid group they can be empowered and achieve their personal dreams faster and easier. As empowered citizens they can use their unity as a leverage to improve not only the lives of their loved ones but also the economies of the communities where their dependents live and overall the economy of their motherland, the Philippines. However, the search for unity seems to be hampered by various personal and group interests.

     Of course, once in a while, this dream has been realized but only in sports. This happens everytime a countryman fights in the world arena of sports. I saw this twice-once when "Bata" Reyes fought and won in a World Billiard Championship and recently when Manny Pacquiao also fought and won over highly-and-world-rated Barrera.

     I personally experienced how OFWs, with their eyes glued to TV screens felt and endured the boos of the overwhelming hometown fans of Barrera. I saw how Pinoys howled to high heavens in protest after the referee ruled a knock down when, obvious to every boxing aficionado, that he was tripped by the Mexican. I heard how in rising crescendo they applauded their hero as he pounded his foe from round to round and silenced the pro-Barrera crowd. I also felt the surge of their deep pride when finally the brother of the favorite boxer tossed in the towel to signal the fighter's surrender.

     I still savor the sweet thought of that unity as the ring announcer proclaimed pacquiao as winner. In that shining moment, OFWs stood proud and united of Filipinos in countries were they were considered second-class citizens.

     We greatly regret, however, that this unity happens infrequently and only in sports. Filipinos don't show this spontaneous unity in other arenas of endeavor specially in the effort of nation building. Soon after this great victory, Filipinos will again go back to their diverse and disunited ways. Back to, as mentioned in my earlier editorial column, their tendency to follow their country's natural geography-that of being islands and isolated from each other.

     If Filipinos can only think of its country's progress as a form of sports where the Philippines is contending against world-rated countries, we are sure that the search for cooperation and unity will be much easier.

     Therefore, why don't OFWs start forming Team Philippines? A team which they will support with all their hearts and souls so that it can be world champion.

     Just remember Team Korea several years ago. When faced with Korean won dropping fast against the mighty worl champion US dollar, most of its citizens became strong supporters of the country's team by bringing to and depositing with their local banks their dollar savings (no matter how small). Korea came out strong and proudly survived the crisis!

     Like the Korean citizens, YOU can help build and support team Philippines no matter how small your contribution may be. Tell your friends in your gatherings the need to work for unity. Tell them, as OFWs, you are considered your country's heroes and as heroes your countrymen look up to you to lead in forming Team Philippines. You can begin the march towards building Team Philippines by starting it here in Korea. United Pinoy Association in Korea is ready to help you make the first step.

     For particulars call us at: 02-462-3575/3585