No less than the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, brands domestic helpers from the Philippines as supermaids, a term, they, indeed, so richly deserve. These domestic helpers have, for years, endured the loneliness and pain of being far away from home in order to be able to give their families a better life. Because of this, they have been well appreciated and admired by people all over the world.
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.
Considering the high cost of almost everything, a domestic helper will never survive with such a low salary. For this reason, they are seeking opportunities outside the Philippines, even if it means leaving the great loves of their life.
Abroad, these domestic helpers from the Philippines are doing very well. In fact, they are making a good name for themselves with their dedication, loyalty, and honesty.
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.
In the United States and elsewhere, there is a seemingly huge demand for domestic helpers from the Philippines. Filipina maids have sterling records when it comes to their dedication and quality of work, and these records have remained unstained up to this very day.
