
From Machine Operators to Maritime Pioneers: The Rise of OFW Entrepreneurs and Returning Student-OFWs in the Post-War Era (1950s-Present)
The post-World War II era marked a pivotal moment for the Philippines, a nation grappling with economic devastation and seeking avenues for recovery. The 1950s saw the nascent beginnings of a phenomenon that would profoundly shape the nation’s social fabric and economic landscape: the rise of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). While initial waves focused on professionals like doctors and engineers recruited by the United States, a subtle shift began, laying the groundwork for the diverse OFW workforce we