An Investigation on the Brain Drain Perspectives of Overseas Filipino Worker Relatives

of Students from St. Edward School, Cavite

A Scientific Investigatory Project Proposal

In partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for Grade 10 Science

Antes, Patrishia Marie A.

Aranas, Alexander Euriel

Duarte, Temz Marioj E.

Fontamillas, Vann Liam Ron S.

Maglanque, Princess Kimberly D.

Sagala, Jan Ronnel R.

Sy, Isadora Tosha D.

Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Table of Contents

Chapter 1…………………………………………………………………………………………4

Background of the Study………………………………………………………….…......4

Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………..6

Significance of the Study………………………………………………………………...7

Scope and Limitation of the SIP……………………………………………...…………8

Chapter 2…………………………………………………………………………………………9

Brain Drain in the Philippines……………………………………….………………….9

Brain Drain in International Papers and Journals.........................................................9

Brain Drain Perspectives of International Professionals………………….…..……..10

Formulating Interview Questions and Interview Guides…………………………….11

Conducting Interviews……………………………………………………………….…11

Summary/Research Gap……………………………………..…………………….…..12

Chapter 3……………………………………………………………………………………..…13

Respondents……………………………………………………………………....……..13

Sampling Method……………………………...………………………………....……..13

Research Instruments…………………………………………………………....……..13

Timeline………………………………………………………………..………....……..14

Data Gathering Procedure……………………………………………………………..14

Data Processing……………………………………..…………………………………..15

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Chapter 4…………………………………………………………………….………………….16

Part I……………………………………………………………………………...……..16

Part II……………………………………………………………………………………29

Chapter 5…………………………………………………………………………………….….33

Summary of Findings…………………………………………………………………..33

Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………...34

Recommendations………………………………………………………………………35

References………………………………………………………………………………….....…36

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Chapter 1

The Problem and Its Background

Background of the Study

The migration of professionals to a more favorable environment to seek a greater

standard of living and quality of life, more stable economic and political situations, increased

income, and access to modern technologies is referred to as brain drain (Journal of the Royal

Society of Medicine, 2005). As a result, the sending country loses highly trained, intellectual,

and technical labor, allowing receiving countries to gain from their talents, abilities, and

knowledge. According to The World Bank Economic Review (2007), since all countries compete

for labor resources, the brain drain phenomenon is seen as a social and economic threat,

particularly in developing countries.

According to the Journal of the Royal Society Medicine (2005), many ‘push’ and ‘pull’

factors cause brain drain to occur. Pull factors are the driving elements that captivate talent in

receiving countries. Push factors on the other hand include a lack of opportunity, unstable

political and economic conditions, health risks, low incomes, and more in sending countries.

Battling COVID-19 has become increasingly challenging as more healthcare workers

settle on migrating to other countries in order to make a living. Despite the fact that several

nurses and doctors graduate every year, the Philippines still experiences a shortage. According to

Channel News Asia (2021), the country now has a greater need for medical professionals as a

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

result of the pandemic. As the number of COVID-19 cases increase, this results in overworked

and understaffed medical personnel in the country, which has a direct impact on Filipinos.

According to a case study undertaken by the Health Services Research (2007) in the

1960s and 1970s, the Philippines was the biggest exporter of nurses to the United States, Saudi

Arabia, and the United Kingdom. To tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, the government was

expected to need an additional 300,000 healthcare personnel in early April 2020. (Berkeley

Interdisciplinary Migration Initiative & the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley,

2020).

This issue dates back to the year 1898th, during the era of Filipino-American colonialism

(Vox, 2021). With the pretense of Protecting Filipino rights and liberties, the United States

implemented a policy called Benevolent Assimilation, wherein they trained and groomed

Filipino nurses into conforming to the western way of medical practice. It, however,

inadvertently prepared Filipinos to work in the United States. Despite gaining independence

from the Americans during the year 1946, the US still, yet again, found a way to bring Filipino

nurses over through the Filipino Exchange Program with the purpose of Filipino nurses to fill in

for the job that Americans would not take.

The brain drain phenomenon is not limited to cross-national migration. It is also a

growing concern in a variety of settings, including communities, companies, institutions, and

organizations. The aim of this science investigation project is to document the different

perspectives of Overseas Filipino Worker relatives of students from St. Edward School, Cavite

with regards to brain drain.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Statement of the Problem

This investigation aims to understand the different perspectives of OFW relatives of

students from St. Edward School with regards to brain drain.

Specifically, the researchers aim to find answers for these specific questions:

1. What influenced the migrants’ decision to work abroad?

2. What are the migrants’ views on brain drain?

3. What factors and systems do the migrants think that still need improvement in the

Philippines?

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Significance of the Study

The findings of this investigation can contribute to the following:

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This study aims to know their perspectives on brain

drain, specifically the relatives of students from St. Edward School. Their suggestions and

opinions regarding the said problem will be a great help in shedding light on this issue, and it

will aid in bringing awareness to the people.

Society. The findings of this study may be used to raise awareness and educate everyone

regarding the issue. Hence it will allow them to attain knowledge about how brain drain affects

not only the community and country but also them too.

Future Researchers. The findings of this study will guide them on the concern of brain

drain in the country. Since this topic has limited research, it will pave the way for more

expounded studies on similar fields. Therefore, continuously conducting studies and research for

an urgent and widespread solution to the said issue in the country could help prevent its ongoing

existence.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Scope and Limitations

This investigation will be focusing on the following scopes:

● The study will cover the documentation of the different perspectives of Overseas Filipino

Workers on brain drain.

● The primary subjects of this study will consist of OFW relatives who have been working

or had worked abroad for at least two years.

● The participants will be limited to 30 OFW relatives of present and former students from

St. Edward School, Alapan 2A, Lancaster New City, Imus, Cavite.

● This study will also cover their suggestions on how they think this concern should be

handled.

● The perspectives of the interviewees do not reflect the point of view of the whole OFW

population but will still be a great help in completing the study.

● The data that will be collected from the survey questionnaires will be documented and

analyzed by the researchers.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Brain Drain in the Philippines

The fluctuations in the pattern of occupation among permanent and temporary workers

reflect not just market forces but also the inherent constraints imposed by destination nations,

according to a research study conducted by the International Labour Office (2002). Workers face

a wide range of pay for similar jobs, but availability ultimately determines pay. Changes in the

global economy and technology, however, pose new challenges to the way the brain drain gets

addressed in the Philippines, according to the report. New technologies are presenting

possibilities that make migration less appealing, both temporarily and permanently. Capturing

the environment simply means that the Philippines achieves a stronger economic development

trajectory, increases employment, raises real incomes, and narrows pay disparities between the

Philippines and potential migration destinations.

Brain Drain in International Papers and Journals

In a research study conducted by Muthanna and Sang (2018), migrant departures are

either temporary or permanent, depending on the reason(s) for their departure. Unless continuous

interviews are done, it is not always easy to determine whether the migrants' departure is

temporary or permanent. For example, a migrant's departure in search of a new or better

employment could be permanent, particularly if the migrant feels threatened at home and finds

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

safety overseas. Furthermore, migration resulting from civil wars, political disputes, and ethnic

or non-ethnic conflicts may be temporary or permanent. Migrants may return home once such

disputes are settled, or they may remain abroad forever, particularly in circumstances of ongoing

violence, a poor economy, or poor working conditions at home.

Several efforts have been implemented by the Malaysian government to combat brain

drain, and one of them is TalentCorp with the objective of facilitating talent-related initiatives in

keeping with the economic transition of the country (Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics

and Management Sciences, 2014). Apart from that, various programs and incentives were

implemented to encourage Malaysian professionals working abroad to return and contribute to

the country’s economic growth. The Malaysian government has also made significant

investments in improving education facilities and providing loans and scholarships to people

pursuing higher education.

Brain Drain Perspectives of International Professionals

Olalekan et al (2011) found that the average worker could not afford the basic necessities

of life for themselves and their children. As a result, when the situation becomes unbearable, an

aggressive individual would seek greener pastures outside of their home country. Professionals

and high-level manpower in the health sector are the most affected groups. This type of

movement across a country's national border frequently results in brain drain. At the highest

political level, efforts must be undertaken to influence and raise budgetary allocations to health.

This provision will make service conditions more appealing, resulting in a reduction in the

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

phenomena of brain drain. The state of a country's health sector is essential to growth and

development. Human resource is an aspect that makes companies or national goals possible.

Formulating Interview Questions and Interview Guides

According to the book “Scientific Inquiry in Social Work” (2018), qualitative interviews

use open-ended questions. Open-ended questions refer to inquiries to which the researcher does

not give answer possibilities. These types of questions are more demanding than close-ended

questions, for they are obliged to come up with their own words and sentences. Usually,

researchers create an interview guide to enable them to structure the way they want to conduct

their interviews. Interview guides should consist of a list of themes or questions that the

interviewers wish to address throughout the interview. In addition, researchers should only

include topics and questions they feel will be important, and they should be arranged

thematically and in the order in which they are most likely to be addressed. Giving interviewees

the opportunity to provide information in their own terms and in their own way is crucial to a

successful qualitative interview.

Conducting Interviews

Interviews yield elaborately contextualized reports of participants' experiences and

interpretations of those experiences. There are various ways of recording interviews: written

notes and audio recordings. A position of equality and mutual respect is central to the

relationship between the researcher and participant. Smith, Flowers, & Larkin (2009) suggested

that if the interviewing style is clear and confident, participants will know that the researcher

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

does not have a predetermined agenda and is interested in hearing about their experiences. A

discussion with participants about the actions that will be taken to protect confidentiality and

anonymity, as well as listening to the participants' experiences and concerns and acknowledging

them as active partners in the interview, will all assist to create trust. Before asking questions

about the past or future, ask questions about the participant's current condition. This may assist

the participant engage more easily with the questions (Doody & Noonan, 2013)

Summary/Research Gap

Previous studies have found out that the departure of migrants is either temporary or

permanent, depending on its cause(s). The shifts in the pattern of occupation among permanent

and temporary workers reflect not only market forces but also the inherent constraints imposed

by destination countries. To reduce the attractiveness of migration temporarily and permanently,

the country should capture the environment.

However, it is not always easy to work out whether the migrants’ departure is temporary

or permanent unless continual interviews are conducted. In a qualitative interview, open-ended

questions are used. An interview guide is developed to outline the issues that a researcher feels

are likely to be important. There are various ways of recording interviews: transcripts, written

notes, and audio recordings. Building trust and respect is still important, for it will allow the

interviewees to feel comfortable and more engaged in answering the questions.

Although a study about workers' perspectives on brain drain has been conducted in

Lagos, Nigeria, one gap discovered was that there has not been a similar study conducted in the

Philippines, primarily in Cavite.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Chapter 3

Methodology

Respondents

The respondents will consist of OFW relatives of students from St. Edward School who

have been working or had worked abroad for at least two years. They will be interviewed by the

researchers, and the data that will be gathered from them will be used by the researchers to

complete the study.

Sampling Method

The researchers will use the Non-Probability Sampling Method, specifically Purposive

Sampling. The researchers will carefully select 30 qualified participants to achieve the reliability

and validity of the study.

Research Instruments

The researchers will create a survey questionnaire through Google Forms with the

questions aligned with the study’s SOP questions. It will be sent to randomly selected Junior and

Senior High School students from St. Edward School through their school Gmail and Facebook

Messenger accounts. It will consist of the introduction & aims of the study, questionnaire details,

qualifications for the research survey questionnaires, and researchers’ email addresses.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Timeline

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers will create a survey questionnaire to answer the three SOP questions;

different types of questions will be utilized, such as checkboxes and the Likert scale. It will then

be sent to the participants’ accounts until the researchers reach their goal of 30 minimum

respondents. The collected data are to be presented by the investigators through graphs, charts,

and tables and will be analyzed by the investigators; these data results are to be used by the

researchers in formulating interpretations and conclusions.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Data Processing

The gathered data from the survey questionnaire are to be presented in pie charts for ‘yes

and no’ questions, bar graphs for ‘checkboxes’ type, and tables for the ‘Likert scale’ questions.

In ‘Likert scale’ questions, the mean will be calculated in every question and should have verbal

interpretations each. These will easily help the researchers form interpretations and conclusions

from the data result.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Chapter 4

Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

This chapter discusses the analyses of the data gathered following the scientific

methodologies and framework of the Science Investigatory Project.

PART I

Results of the Survey Questionnaire

The researchers gathered the initial data using a survey questionnaire. There were a total

of 30 respondents that answered the instrument. Figure 1 shows the ratio between the current and

former OFW respondents which is 13:17.

Figure 1. Ratio Between Current and Former OFW Respondents

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Figure 2 shows the countries where the respondents worked aside from the Philippines.

20% of the respondents, which is the highest, worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Figure 2. Chart showing the countries where the respondents work/had worked.

Figure 3 shows how many years the informants worked abroad. 16.7% of the respondents

worked for 8 and 11 years abroad.

Figure 3. Chart showing how many years the respondents worked abroad.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

First SOP Question

To answer the first statement of the problem question, “What influenced the migrants'

decision to work abroad?” The investigators used a survey questionnaire to gather information

from the respondents.

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents have answered the question “Has working

abroad been one of your aspirations from the start?”. Figure 4 shows the results of the data

gathered. 36.7% of the respondents answered “No”, 63.3% answered “Yes.”

Figure 4. Results of Question 1 “Has working abroad been one of your aspirations from the
start?”

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents filled out the checkboxes of the economic

factors that influenced their decision to work abroad. Figure 5 shows the results of the data

gathered. The two leading economic factors are ‘To seek greater financial opportunities abroad’

(28 out of 30 respondents) and ‘To provide financial stability for my family’ (27 out of 30).

Figure 5. Results of Question 2 “If there’s any, what is/are the economic factor/s that influenced
your decision to work abroad?”

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents filled out the checkboxes of the

environmental factors that influenced their decision to work abroad. Figure 6 shows the results of

the data gathered. The leading environmental factor, with only less than 50% of the respondents,

is ‘To enjoy the climate in other countries’ (14 out of 30, 46.67%)

.
Figure 6. Results of Question 3 “If there’s any, what is/are the environmental factor/s that
influenced your decision to work abroad?”

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents filled out the checkboxes of the political and

socio-cultural factors that influenced their decision to work abroad. Figure 7 shows the results of

the data gathered. The leading factor is ‘To connect with people with the same or different

culture, language, customs, or beliefs’ (21 out of 30 respondents, 70%).

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Figure 7. Results of Question 4 “If there’s any, what is/are the political and socio-cultural
factor/s that influenced your decision to work abroad?”

The results of the question “What other factor/s have influenced your decision to work

abroad?” are the following: The informants mentioned working abroad for love, working abroad

due to their ambitions, for them to have better work opportunities, and for financial matters.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Second SOP Question

To answer the first statement of the problem question “What are the migrants’ views

about ‘brain drain?’” The investigators used a survey questionnaire to gather information from

the participants.

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents have answered a Likert scale question “How

familiar are you with the term ‘brain drain,’ ranging from 1 to 5—with 5 being extremely

familiar, 4 - moderately familiar, 3 - somewhat familiar, 2 - slightly familiar, and 1 - not at all

familiar. Figure 8 shows the results of the data gathered. 11 respondents (36.7%) have selected

‘3.’ The weighted mean is 3.27.

Figure 8. Results of Question 1 “How familiar are you with the term ‘brain drain’”

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents have answered a Likert scale question “Do

you believe that brain drain is a real phenomenon?” ranging from 1 to 5—with 5 being strongly

agree, 4 - agree, 3 - neutral, 2 - disagree, and 1 - strongly disagree. Figure 9 shows the results of

the data gathered. 11 respondents (36.7%) have selected “3.” The weighted mean is 3.97.

Figure 9. Results of Question 2 “Do you believe that brain drain is a real phenomenon?”

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents have answered a Likert scale question “Do

you think that brain drain is a social and economic threat?” ranging from 1 to 5—with 5 being

strongly agree, 4 - agree, 3 - neutral, 2 - disagree, and 1 - strongly disagree. Figure 10 shows the

results of the data gathered. The options ‘3’ and ‘4’ are equal with 11 respondents (36.7%). The

weighted mean is 3.8.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Figure 10. Results of Question 3 “Do you think that brain drain is a social and economic threat?”

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents have answered the question “Should Filipinos

be concerned with the so-called ‘brain drain?’”. Figure 11 shows the results of the data gathered.

90% of the respondents answered “Yes”, 10% answered “No.

Figure 11. Results of Question 4 “Should Filipinos be concerned about brain drain?”

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Third SOP Question

To answer the first statement of the problem question “What factors and systems do the

migrants think needs to be improved in the Philippines?” The investigators used a survey

questionnaire to gather information from the informants.

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents filled out the checkboxes of the economic

factors and systems that they think that still need improvement in the Philippines. Figure 12

shows the results of the data gathered. All respondents have selected ‘Salaries and wages.’

Figure 12. Results of Question 1 “If there’s any, what do you think is/are the economic factor/s
& system/s that need improvement/s in the Philippines?”

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents filled out the checkboxes of the

environmental factors and systems that they think that still need improvement in the Philippines.

Figure 13 shows the results of the data gathered. All statements under environmental factors

have been selected by the majority of the respondents (90%, 76.7%, 73.3%)

Figure 13. Results of Question 2 “If there’s any, what do you think is/are the environmental
factor/s & system/s that need improvement/s in the Philippines?

In the survey questionnaire, the respondents filled out the checkboxes of the political and

socio-cultural factors and systems that they think that still need improvement in the Philippines.

Figure 14 shows the results of the data gathered. All statements under the political and

socio-cultural factors have been selected by the majority of the respondents.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Figure 14. Results of Question 2 “If there’s any, what do you think is/are the political and

socio-cultural factor/s & system/s that need improvement in the Philippines?

The results of the question “What other factor/s and system/s do you think that still

need improvement in the Philippines?” are the following: This chart drew only 8 out of 30

responses. Most of the respondents believe that the economy needs to improve, particularly in

terms of domestic jobs and careers. Three respondents mentioned that the government itself and

law enforcement should be improved. Some of them believe that the healthcare system should

also be prioritized.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

The results of the question “For current OFWs, if the Philippines'

economic/environmental/political & socio-cultural condition becomes better, would you consider

going back? Why?” are the following: Most of the current OFW respondents wanted to go back

to the Philippines, as the respondents are longing to be reunited with their family and have a

desire to return to their home country. However, one or two respondents disagreed because they

have already settled and are living with their loved ones in another country.

The results of the question for former OFWs, “What made you return to the

Philippines” are the following: Majority of the former OFW respondents returned due to the

circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rest of the respondents have answered that their

longing to be with their family in the country, termination, or family situation was their reason

for returning,

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

PART II

SOP Question 1 Results:

The first SOP question, “What influenced the migrants’ decision to work abroad?” was

answered using the following survey questions:

1. Has working abroad been one of your aspirations from the start?

2. If there’s any, what is/are the economic factor/s that influenced your decision to work
abroad?
3. If there’s any, what is/are the environmental factor/s that influenced your decision to
work abroad?
4. If there’s any, what do you think is/are the political and socio-cultural factor/s that

influenced your decision to work abroad?

5. What other factor/s have influenced your decision to work abroad?

With the data result in all survey questions under the first SOP question, the data

interpretations are the following: The migrants’ families is one of their biggest considerations in

working abroad. Most of them see other countries, especially where wages are higher and where

the job application process is easier, as “lands of opportunities.” Push factors under economic

category have greatly influenced the migrants’ decision than pull factors. Environmental factors

don’t influence their choice that much as with economic factors; however, the data result implies

that environmental factors, especially pull factors such as to enjoy the climate in other countries,

attract migrants. Push (government, law enforcement, and political instability) and pull

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

(connecting with people in other countries and understanding their viewpoints) under the

socio-cultural & political category equally influenced the migrants’ choice.

The researchers have also noticed that there is almost an equal distribution of numbers

among push and pull factors; this implies that both push and pull factors influence the migrants’

decision to work abroad.

SOP Question 2 Results:

The second SOP question, “What are the migrants’ views on brain drain?” was answered

using the following survey questions:

1. How familiar are you with the term ‘brain drain?’

2. Do you believe that brain drain is a real phenomenon?

3. Do you think that brain drain is a social and economic threat?

4. Should Filipinos be concerned with the so-called ‘brain drain?’ Why?

With the data result in all survey questions under the second SOP question, the data

interpretations are the following: The migrants are somewhat familiar with brain drain; they also

believe that it is a real phenomenon and see it as a social and economic threat. Most of them

believe that Filipinos should be concerned about this so-called “brain drain.” These imply that

the migrants are somehow aware of the consequences if more people will continue to work

abroad. However, this does not mean that they are selfish and considered ‘traitors’ to the country,

for they are just hoping for a better future for their family, as seen in SOP 1 SQ 2.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

SQ Mean Rounded Off Mean Verbal Interpretation

1 3.27 3.00 Somewhat Familiar

2 3.97 4.00 Agree

3 3.8 4.00 Agree

Figure 15. Data Interpretation of the SOP Question 2 Survey Questions 1 to 3: Means and Their
Verbal Interpretations

SOP Question 3 Results:

The third and last SOP question, “If there’s any, What factor/s and system/s do the migrants

think need to be improved in the Philippines?” was answered using the following survey questions:

1. If there’s any, what do you think is/are the economic factor/s and system/s that need
improvement in the Philippines?
2. If there’s any, what do you think is/are the environmental factor/s and system/s that need
improvement in the Philippines?
3. What other factor/s and system/s do you think still need/s improvement?

4. *For current OFWs, if the Philippines' economic/environmental/political & socio-cultural

condition becomes better, would you consider going back? Why?

5. *For former OFWs: What made you return to the Philippines?

With the data result in all survey questions under the second SOP question, the data

interpretations are the following: Majority of them believe that all factors stated, except the

‘Population growth control,’ still need improvement. It is no surprise that all of them selected the

‘Salaries and wages,’ since it is seen in SOP 1 SQ 1 that the majority of the migrants work

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

abroad to seek greater financial opportunities and to provide financial stability for their families.

Even if environmental factors weren’t that much of an influence to their decision, they still

believe that the policies and programs on protecting the environment should still be improved.

For current OFWs, they would consider going back to the country if they see the

improvement of these factors and systems. Their family, the main reason why most of them have

worked abroad, is also their reason for returning in the future.

For former OFWs, most of them were forced to return due to the circumstances of the

COVID-19 pandemic. For some of them, longing for family is also their reason for returning.

Both the former and current migrants included their longing for their family and their

situation as their reasons for returning; this shows how family-oriented Filipinos are.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

Chapter 5

Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary of Findings

The investigators started gathering data with the creation of the survey questionnaire

through Google Forms. In SOP 1 and 3, the respondents answered the survey questions by filling

out the checkboxes in the questionnaire, while in SOP 2, they answered a Likert scale, which

respondents may choose from to rate their responses to evaluative questions. After that, the

researchers created a poster that invited participants to participate— it was posted on their

personal Facebook and Instagram accounts. Then, the survey questionnaire was sent to the

participants via Google Email and Facebook Messenger. The investigators started sending the

survey questionnaire on February 23rd, 2022, with the goal of reaching 30 respondents. The

researchers garnered the expected amount of participants on February 27th.

After collecting the data, the investigators processed the respondents' answers to every

survey question. They analyzed the similarities of the respondents’ answers and observed the

relationships of the different perspectives of the respondents by creating pie charts and bar

graphs. Afterward, the researchers interpreted the results by expounding on the pie chart and bar

graph results and the respondents’ perspectives. In SOP 1 and SOP 3, the researchers presented

the data collected and the statistical analysis results, but in SOP 2, the investigators added the

means in every question and created a table of rounded-off calculated means with their verbal

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

interpretations. With the data interpretations, the researchers were finally able to form

recommendations and conclusions to answer the research problems.

Conclusions

Based on the interpreted results, the investigators concluded the following:

1. In SOP Question 1, “What influenced the migrants’ decision to work abroad?” The

researchers have concluded that economic push factors have influenced the migrants’

decision to work abroad the most; these push factors made them look for a huge

advantage that the country couldn’t accommodate for them. Some of them considered the

environmental and socio-cultural & political situation of the country too. Their families’

situation and future also have a great influence on their choices.

2. In SOP Question 2, “What are the migrants’ views on brain drain?” The researchers

have concluded that migrants believe that ‘brain drain’ is real and see it as a potential

social and economic threat. These imply that the migrants are somehow aware of the

consequences if more people will continue to work abroad. However, this does not mean

that they are selfish and ‘traitors’ to the country, for they are just hoping for a better

future for their families.

3. In SOP Question 3, “What factors and systems do the migrants think still need

improvement in the Philippines?” The researchers have concluded that the migrants

believe that a lot of factors and systems—economic, environmental, and socio-cultural &

political—still need improvement; most of the current OFWs might consider returning if

they see the improvement of these in the future. Both the former and current migrants

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

included their longing for their family and their situation as their reasons for returning;

this shows how family-oriented Filipinos are.

Recommendations

With the findings of the investigation, the researchers recommend the following:

1. Further study is needed to investigate more about brain drain and related concerns since it

only has limited research before.

2. The investigators encourage future researchers to interview their respondents to further

know about their perspectives on brain drain.

3. The researchers encourage everyone to do their part as citizens to be knowledgeable

about the issue, for it can affect them too without them knowing.

4. To strengthen the government policies and programs implemented for OFWs, the

researchers suggest that the migrants’ perspective on the issue and the factors that

influenced their decision to work abroad could be used as a basis.

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Brain Drain Perspectives: An Investigation

References

Alburo, F. A., & Abella, D. I. (2002). Skilled Labour From Developing Countries: Study On The

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