Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS – MANILA
Manila Education Center Arroceros Forest Park
Antonio J. Villegas St. Ermita, Manila

Trends, Networks, and

Critical Thinking in the
21st Century
Act and Respond to the
Challenges of Globalization

Quarter 1- Week 5
Module 5
Most Essential Learning Competencies:
 Discuss the different contributions of the parts to a
whole and the important role of creative imagination in
putting together the various parts of a whole; and
 Explain the need for collaboration and cooperation to
achieve interconnectedness of people and nations.
 HOW TO USE THIS MODULE

Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will disturb
you while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully
enjoy the objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of
this module.
2. Write in your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing enhances
learning, that is important to develop and keep in mind.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key card.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

 Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing the
lessons in the module.
 Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
mastered throughout the lesson.
 Looking Back to Your Lesson - This section will measure what learnings and
skills you understood from the previous lesson.
 Brief Introduction - This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
 Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform with a partner.
 Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the
lessons.
 Check your understanding - It will verify how you learned from the lesson.
 Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire
module.

EXPECTATIONS
You will discuss the different contributions of the parts to a whole and
the important role of creative imagination in putting together the various
parts of a whole and explain the need for collaboration and cooperation to
achieve interconnectedness of people and nations.

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Specifically, this module will help you to:

 explain the meaning of labor and its industries in the Philippines;

 analyze different labor issues affecting the workforce; and
 examine different migration issues.

Let us start your journey in learning more on Labor and

Migration. I am sure you are ready and excited to answer the
Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

PRETEST
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it in a separate sheet of
paper.
1. Multinational companies are investing jobs in other countries where the skills
and competencies must be met. These competencies are caused by
globalization. Which of the following scenarios is NOT considered as an effect
of globalization to labor?
A. The country's demand for different skills specifically labor skills is
globally standard.
B. Local products are now given the opportunity to be recognized in the
international market.
C. The widespread influence of Korean Culture can be seen in the
numerous Samgyupsal restaurant in the country.
D. In the emergence of cheap labor, it is easy for the investors to impose
lower prices or higher prices than foreign products with the same
quality.
2. Labor is one of the important factors of production. Which of the following
BEST describe its definition?
A. It tries to recognize the dynamics and roles of workers in an
employment.
B. It has a significant role in the contributing to the production of
commodities.
C. It comprises the physical and mental aspects of investment which
includes the workforce that set forth the manufacturing of products
within the industry.
D. All of the above.
3. Which of the following sentences BEST describes the meaning of migration?
A. It refers to the process of leaving or moving from place to place.
B. It refers to the process of removal or transfer to the people's workplace.
C. It refers to the process of leaving or moving from a place or political
territory to somewhere temporarily or permanently.
D. It refers to the process of removal or relocation due to unforeseen
circumstances in the source area.

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 4. It is important to protect the rights of Filipino workers against unjust practices
and unfair dismissal of work due to contractualization of the employers. How
can Filipino workers negotiate for their rights?
A. conducting pickets and rallies against companies and capitalists.
B. boycotting foreign products and campaigning for citizens to condemn
them.
C. organizing sabotage, destruction and arson of company plants or
equipment.
D. negotiating trade associations with business owners or company
owners through a straightforward collective bargaining agreement
(CBA).
5. Their job is related to processed fruits, vegetables, and other crops that
contribute to the country’s GDP. What sector is this?
A. Agribusiness C. Education
B. BPO D. Tourism

Great, you finished answering the questions. You may request your
facilitator to check your work. Congratulations and keep on learning!

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Music of Asia and Globalization
To check your learnings about the previous lesson, you are asked to begin
with this task.

Directions:

1. Choose or pick an Asian musical artist or group of your favorite that became
famous internationally and recognized around the world (Black Pink,
Momoland, Psy, Rain etc.)
2. In your journal, answer the following questions
Guide Questions:

1. Where did the musical artist originate?

2. In which countries did the artist become famous?
3. How did the artist become famous?
4. Why do you think the artist became famous?
5. How did the artist influence your preference in music?

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 BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Innovations in various fields as a result of globalization are major challenges
to the country. The country is becoming more open to various opportunities to
explore potential partnerships in global competition. In the first lesson of this
module, you learned about the impact of globalization in the country particularly on
the change in people's thinking and perspectives on the global community including
the needs of each country.
You also learned in the first lesson the different forms of globalization such as
global economic, technological, and socio-cultural globalization. Accompanying these
changes are the challenges of how every government in the world addresses the
problems caused by globalization and social issues that have been avoided but have
not been fully addressed, rather continued to worsen especially in labor matters.
Different issues in labor are challenging the Filipino workers. These challenges
are strengthened because of globalization. In this lesson, you will encounter issues
that will present labor and migration as determining factors of the way of living of
the Filipinos.

Lesson
Labor and Migration
1

Labor: Industries in the Philippines

Globalization which facilitated interconnectivity and interdependence of
economies brought major changes in the labor sector. These changes can be felt in
the several types of working Filipinos who work hard to meet both ends. They are
Overseas Filipino Workers, call center agents or working in Business Processing
Outsourcing (BPO) Companies and those working on a contractual basis. The
growing numbers of these workers because of globalization demands our government
to enforce flexible policies and just regulations (Arzadon, Romerosa & Zarate, 2018,
p. 147)
Labor is one of the important factors of production. It tries to recognize the
dynamics and roles of workers in an employment. It has a significant role in
contributing to the production of commodities. Labor comprises the physical and
mental aspect of investment which includes the workforce that set forth the
manufacture of products within the industry. With these in mind, it is important to
analyze different issues involving workers and their conditions in a capitalist setting.
The education sector tries to answer labor issues in restructuring the
curriculum. The educational system shifts to K to 12 that puts emphasis on the
development of productive and responsible citizens equipped with the essential
competencies, skills and values for both life-long learning and employment (Marquez,
2018, p. 104). The curriculum also aims to prepare high school students for college

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education, technical and vocational career opportunities as well as creative arts,
sports, and entrepreneurial employment in fast-changing globalized society.
Employed Persons by Sector, Occupation and Class of W orker, Philippines
April 2019 and April 2020
(In percent)
Sector/Occupation/Class of W orker April 2020 April 2019
33,764 41,755
EMPLOYED PERSONS
Number (in thousands)

SECTOR 100.0 100.0

Agriculture 25.9 21.7

Industry 17.0 19.4
Services 57.1 58.9

OCCUPATION 100.0 100.0

Managers 9.3 10.9

Professionals 5.8 5.4
Technicians and associate professionals 3.9 4.2
Clerical support workers 6.4 6.2
Service and sales workers 18.4 18.8
Skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers 14.1 11.5
Craft and related trades workers 6.4 8.1
Plant and machine operators and assemblers 7.7 8.2
Elementary occupations 27.8 26.3
Armed forces occupations 0.2 0.2

CLASS OF W ORKER 100.0 100.0

Wage and salary workers 63.2 63.8

Worked for private household 4.6 4.3
Worked for private establishment 47.9 50.2
Worked for government or government corporation 10.4 9.1
Worked with pay in own-family operated farm or business 0.3 0.3
Self-employed without any paid employee 28.7 27.3
Employer in own family-operated farm or business 1.8 2.7
Worked without pay in own family-operated farm or business 6.3 6.1
(Unpaid family worker)
Notes: Estimates for April 2020 are preliminary and may change.
Details may not add up to totals due to rounding.
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, April 2019 and April 2020 Labor Force Survey
Table Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/content/statistical-tables-labor-force-survey-lfs-january-2020

The future holds guarantee as the Philippines has a youthful and developing
workforce that communicates in English, has settlements from abroad that are high,
and has family unit obligation that is among the most reduced in Asia. As the
economy improves, poverty has normally declined also. Major industries that can be
seen in the Philippines are manufacturing and agribusiness. Manufacturing industry
includes mining, ship building, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. As it popularizes
in the Philippines, it became an attraction to other countries in Asia making the
Philippines as a good prospect in pharmaceutical business. The Philippines is also
rich in minerals and metallic resources as it motivates foreign investors to venture
in the country.
Also, the Philippines' electronic industry has been dynamic since the mid-
1970s when the companies from the West were coping with the rising cost of
production and tried to relocate their facilities. This industry had grown significantly
and became a vital sector in nation’s economy in terms of creating jobs, exports, tax,
household income in contribution in GDP.
The agribusiness sector comprising processed fruits, vegetables, and other
crops contribute also to the country’s GDP. With the country’s geographical
characteristic, it is clearly manifested that we capitalize in this strength and make it
as our livelihood.

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 From agricultural and industrial sectors, the Philippines capitalized more in
the service sector. It reached the industrial sector by means of its contribution to
the GDP. The sector also employs half of the country’s workforce surpassing
agricultural and industrial sectors.
Another important contributor of service sector is tourism. The sector has
moderate growth in terms of tapping its resources compared to other countries like
Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand in attracting tourists. Some of the reasons for
this event are poor infrastructure (airports and road connectivity), lack of tourist
services and facilities.
The export services which include our OFWs or Overseas Filipino Workers
contribute largely to the economy. With their remittances over the years, it
substantially maintains the integrity of the economy. Over the years, OFWs’ jobs
changed from low-end service jobs to a professional career requiring them to have a
higher education skill.
The rising popularity of BPO or Business Process Outsourcing industries
generate consumer spending and employment. This is another alternative
mechanism in the country as it attracts foreign earnings. This industry can boost
the service sector and could also motivate OFWs to return home while there are
irregularities in their remittances.
For any economy to rise, there must be a balanced and harmonious growth of
the sectors of agriculture, industry and services. If this is met, improvements in other
sectors will be seen naturally. For so long, the Philippines has left behind to other
Southeast Asian and Asian countries in terms of developing economically and
socially but with the aggressive economic policies and programs that can be initiated
in the country, we are in the path of sustainability and progress. (Bajpai, 2020)

Labor and Globalization

While it has been observed that Philippines slowly competes with the
international economy, globalization as the peak of all capitalist ventures has its
effects in the local economy that changed policies and structures for the workers.
Globalization affected the workplace which resulted for the international
organizations such as the Word Trade Organization (WTO) to set global standards for
all workers. Multinational companies are investing in jobs in other countries where
the skills and competencies must be met. These competencies are caused by
globalization.
Some of effects of globalization in labor are as follows:
 First, the country's demand for different skills or labor skills is globally
standard;
 Secondly, local products are now given the opportunity to be recognized
in the international market;
 Third, globalization has transformed the workplace and factors of
production such as the introduction of various gadgets, computers/ IT
programs, complex machines, and other modern manufacturing
equipment;

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  Lastly, because of cheap labor, it is easy for the investors to impose
lower or higher prices than foreign products with the same quality.

Unemployment and Underemployment

Unemployment and underemployment as labor issues has been always
present in any country whatever its economic category. Unemployment happens
when an individual who is actively searching for employment is unable to find a job
or work. It is used to measure the health of the economy. On the other hand,
underemployment occurs when workers who are highly skilled but working in low
paying or low skill jobs. It also happens when the job that you mastered, or the skills
of your expertise do not match with the current job offering. There is a high demand
for globally standard labor, and our government is making necessary efforts to
respond to this. According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA, 2020), it shows that the growing labor force has reached 95 million, with 5
million Filipino unemployed, while 15 million are underemployed. One million
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) leave the country every year. Due to lack of
opportunity and decent employment, the government has been restricting labor
migration since the 70's. The number of migrant Filipinos to work has grown rapidly.
In fact, the OFW are now the new heroes because of their introduction into the
country, which is why the economy is still in a state of disrepair despite the intense
political and economic crisis. It is also one of the key indicators of the country's
growing reliance on external factors rather than on internal conditions of continued
economic decline.
Another issue that is facing the country in terms of unemployment and
underemployment is the growing number of job-mismatches. This is because college
graduates do not meet the demand and skills for entry-level requirements of
companies in the country. This indicates that many courses at Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs) and colleges in the country no longer meet the need of private
companies that set workforce selection criteria. (AP 10 Learning Module)

Subcontracting
With the outpouring investors, competition among foreign and local
companies and corporations in the country has intensified. This event led investors
to use subcontracting schemes that poses a challenge in the labor sector. A
subcontracting scheme refers to an employment arrangement in which the firm
(principal) contracts with an agency or individual subcontractor to perform a job or
service within a specified time.
There are two existing forms of subcontracting (Panganiban, 2017, par.1)
 Labor-only Contracting in which the subcontractor does not have
enough investment to do the work or service. With this, the
subcontractor hires workers who has directly knowledge to the nature
the work being contracted.
 Job-contracting in which the subcontractor has enough investment to
carry out the work of the subcontractor's workers. They have nothing
to do with the company’s activities.

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 This type of scheme is not allowed in the law because it affects the security of
the workers in the workplace. Issues of wages, number of workhours, under payment
and other related concerns are carried-out because of this term.

Migration
The issues of labor are directly related to the social condition of many
Filipinos. In fact, the departure of Filipino workers has created opportunities and
challenges in the Philippine government and society. You must understand the
concept and context of Filipino migration.
Migration refers to the movement of a person from one place or political
territory to another whether it is temporary or permanent. The reasons for leaving or
relocating are often rooted in the following:
 A career that is expected to lead a prosperous life;
 Safe and comfortable accommodation;
 Persuasion of family members or relatives who have been living
overseas; and;
 Studying or acquiring technical knowledge specifically in industrialized
countries.
The phenomenon of migration is not new. In fact, from the beginning of
civilization, man has often been led into areas that will provide him with the needs
for economic (economic), security (political) or personal. Migration in the modern
times has become faster than in recent times. In addition, the movement of people
inside and outside the country is complex when focusing on its causes, patterns, and
effects. The movement or flow of migration can be seen in various forms. People
migrate as manual workers, highly qualified specialists, entrepreneurs, refugees or
as a family member.
Stephen Castles and Mark Miller's study (1998) emphasized that globalization
refers to different forms and flows of migration that are ruling in response to
economic, political, cultural and violent conflicts in the between countries.
In the context of the Philippines, economic reasons play huge part in the
migration of many Filipinos abroad. Earlier lessons in this quarter mentioned that
OFWs are sending large amounts of dollars to their relatives in the country, which in
turn contributes to the country's economic growth. Despite the complicated flow of
migration, they were able to make 'general observations' about this subject that can
be seen in the following ideas. (AP 10 Learning Module)

1. Forms of Migration
Different forms of migration are not present in other countries. There
are countries that experience labor migration, migration of refugees, and even
permanent migration. In addition, there are other so-called irregular,
temporary and permanent migrants. Irregular migrants are undocumented
citizens, have no work permit and are said to be overstaying in the country.
Temporary migrants are called citizens traveling abroad with appropriate
permits and paperwork to work and live on time. Some examples are foreign
students studying abroad and entrepreneurs who can only temporarily reside
for six (6) months. Meanwhile, permanent migrants are overseas Filipinos

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 whose goal of traveling abroad is not just their job but permanent residency
in their chosen country, which sometimes, includes changing the citizenship.

2. Migration Transition
Migration occurs when the traditional country of origin of migrants
becomes the destination of migrant workers and refugees from different
countries. Example is the experience of South Korea, Poland, Spain, Morocco,
Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Turkey.

3. Globalization of Migration
The number of countries experiencing migration is increasing. They are
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. They continue to
occupy these countries and large numbers of migrants come from countries
in Asia, Latin America and Africa.

4. Migration as a Political Issue

The political implications of migration to the countries it experiences
have been profound. National issues, bilateral and regional relations, and even
national security policy are affected by the issue of migration. Therefore, more
cooperation between the countries involved in this matter is needed.

5. Volume of Migration
The density or volume of migrants continues to increase in different
regions of the world. This has huge implications for the laws and policies that
are being implemented in the preferred countries.

6. Feminism of Migration
Women play a major role in the migration movement. In recent times,
labor migration and refugees have been made up mostly of men. By the 1960s,
women's role in labor migration was critical, but in today, more women are
involved in the domestic work to provide for their family’s needs.

Migration Issues
In the Philippines where we are deeply rooted and inevitable from the culture
of migration, has made movement from one place to another common. It is acceptable
or even desirable whenever better opportunities can offer and can bring better life.
For many years, significant numbers of Filipinos are leaving the country for
temporary work or for permanent residency, yet the economy cannot safeguard the
standard of living of many Filipinos. Presently, there are 10 million Filipinos who are
working or living abroad. These Filipinos are facing several migration issues that they
try to escape as they battle their daily lives in a foreign soil.
Adapting to the International Standard
The international standardization of globalization cannot be underestimated.
Some of these are treaties of different countries and international organizations.
These include the Bologna and the Washington Accord. The Bologna Accord is
derived from the name of an Italian university (University of Bologna) where Ministers
of Education from 29 European countries signed an agreement aiming to adapt the

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curriculum of each so that the one who has completed the course in a country can
easily be accepted into the countries listed there if he or she wishes to emigrate.
Because of this agreement, the curriculum is adapted quickly to the demands of the
industry in addition to the rapid turnover of workers and professionals required by
various companies and businesses.
Meanwhile, the Washington Accord signed in 1989 is an international
agreement between international accrediting agencies aimed at aligning the
curriculum of engineering degree programs in various member countries. As a result,
engineering graduates in non-accredited countries cannot work in their member
countries such as Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan,
Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA.
(Mutual Recognition Agreements, n.d.)
Therefore, engineering graduates in the Philippines are not considered
engineers in the countries mentioned. Because of these agreements, many Filipino
professionals overseas are unable to obtain employment that suits them. Another
reason for this is the lack of number of years in basic education which is why many
Filipinos are viewed as second class professionals. Compared to many countries, the
Philippines is one of the fewest years of basic education. In response, the government
implemented the K to12 Curriculum aimed at adapting the education system abroad.
This reform hopes to raise the quality of education in the country and address the
problem of unemployment in the country.

Forced Labor, Human Trafficking and Slavery

Migration provides opportunities and risks. This is evident in the influx of
migrant workers to West Asia. On one hand, migrant workers can bring their families
with thousands of dollars of remittances. It greatly contributes to their family's
wealth, housing development, education, and health-care costs — while contributing
to the economy of the country in which they work. On the other hand, there are
migrants who die, are forced to servitude, and become victims of trafficking. The
experiences of most migrants are at the heart of these two types of migration. Many
domestic workers end up in good jobs. Many also face various forms of abuse such
as indecent pay, poor home confinement, food shortages, overwork, and some cases
of severe psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.

ACTIVITIES 9
Activity 1. Labor Sectors (Critical Thinking)
Objective: Analyze the different perspectives of globalization.
Directions:
1. Identify the manifestations of globalization in each labor sectors of our
society. Provide evidences to support your answer.
2. You may answer the guide questions in a separate sheet of paper.

Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO)

Tourism

Agri-Business

Education

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. What are the major changes happened in the labor sector because of
globalization?
2. How do you think the present government is coping with these changes?
3. How does the K-12 Education System respond to global and international
demands?

ACTIVITIES 10
 Activity 2. The Plight of OFWs (Critical Thinking, Character)
Objective: See application of globalization in our daily lives
Directions:
1. In this activity, you will see the predicaments of our OFWs in their battle
abroad amidst the current pandemic. Read and analyze the article then
answer the following guide questions in a separate sheet of paper.

The Hurting Heroes: The COVID-19 Crisis and Overseas Filipino Workers
Filipinos around the world are contending with the impact of COVID-19.

By Mary Manlangit

The Hurting Heroes: The COVID-19 Crisis and Overseas Filipino Workers

In this Tuesday, March, 2020, volunteers and government workers for a line as they wait to be checked before
entering a local city hall as the government enforces the enhanced community quarantine to prevent the spread of the new
coronavirus in Metro Manila, Philippines. With exemptions on flights carrying medical supplies and other essential airlift
operations, the Philippine government imposed a moratorium on flights for a week that started May 3. In a letter from the
COVID-19 National Task Force Chief addressed to the Transport Secretary, the decision was “in view of the need to ramp
up the capacity of [the country’s] systems to properly process the growing number of Filipino repatriates coming back to
the Philippines.” As of May 6, the total number of Filipinos repatriated by the Southeast Asian government had reached
23,000, many of whom were Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The
Philippines has one of the largest diasporas in the world. There is an estimated 10 million Filipinos abroad, roughly a tenth
of the country’s population, working for the promise of higher wages and better opportunities for themselves and for their
families back home. In 2019, remittances from OFWs reached a record high of $33.9 billion, equivalent to about 10 percent
of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). With the ongoing global health crisis, how can a country in which 12 percent
of households are OFW-dependent, be able to cushion the imminent economic threat?

The OFWs as They Grapple with the Pandemic

On May 6, the COVID-19 National Task Force informed the Filipino public that another 45,000 OFWs are
expected to return home by the end of June, bringing the list of repatriates close to 70,000. Said figures are even
conservative as the medium- and long-term effects have not been taken into account, as admitted by the national chief of
the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). In a policy brief authored by a top Philippine university, about
300,000 to 400,000 OFWs are estimated to be affected by the pandemic, from pay cuts to layoffs to eventual repatriation.
Among the OFWs who have been repatriated was Dwayne Infante, who worked as a customer service executive for a bus
sightseeing company in Singapore. Before the pandemic started crawling into every economic sector, it had crippled first
the tourism industry and Dwayne’s almost three years working for the company did not a stand a chance in deferring his
employer’s layoff decision. For OFWs who were able to stay abroad, the seeming luck of keeping their livelihood does not
guarantee immunity from the dangers that COVID-19 poses. As of writing, there are 1,819 Filipinos who have contracted
the coronavirus, 214 of whom have succumbed, including the country’s ambassador to Lebanon. While a third of OFWs
are employed in low-level positions (37 percent) per the latest national survey, a significant number of Filipino workers are
also deployed to professional sectors such as the healthcare industry. The Philippines is well-known as a source country
for medical professionals, particularly registered nurses, a trend that had been on the rise since the early 2000s. Many
local universities and colleges offer nursing programs geared toward meeting global demand. In times like this, Filipino
nurses are on the frontline to take care of patients of their host countries and are thus at risk of acquiring the coronavirus.
Rish (who wished not to disclose her full name) is one of them. A first-time OFW, she is currently a nurse in a private
hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As she was fully aware of the symptoms of the coronavirus, she hurriedly insisted on
having herself tested. In the second week of April, she was confirmed for COVID-19 and was admitted to the same hospital
she works for. Rish is in her mid-20s and is generally healthy, which allowed her to recover within a month. Thankfully, all
expenses were covered by the state and her employer continued to pay her salary, despite a month’s worth of sick leave.
A better quality of life overseas, particularly in developed countries, has been the pulling factor why OFWs pack their bags.
In fact, it is becoming pervasive among the Filipino youth. According to the 2019 report of the World Economic Forum
(WEF), about 53 percent of the country’s young people, aged 15 to 35 years old, wanted to work overseas.

11
 A few years after college graduation, Jirehl Carlos decided to pursue a postgraduate degree in Canada following
the footsteps of her relatives who had been in the country for more than 10 years. Her studies were supported by a
combination of merit scholarships and wage earnings from working for a fast food chain. After obtaining a Canadian
diploma and landing a communications role in a local school, Jirehl is now planning to emigrate permanently in the country.
However, the processes for acquiring a permanent residency have been halted by the movement restrictions both the
Philippine and the Canadian governments had imposed at varying levels to contain the pandemic. While her host country
continues to accept immigration applications, the undeniable delays that COVID-19 caused present a bleak outlook. In the
Philippines, the acronym OFW is synonymous to “bagong bayani” (modern-day heroes) particularly attributed to their
contribution to the country’s economy despite personal sacrifices. They were first lauded as such in the 1988 address of
former President Corazon Aquino before the Filipino workers in Hong Kong. The term remains relevant today, but with the
global health crisis, the impacts of which are out of the hands of these Filipino modern-day heroes, the Philippine
government has to step up, in various necessary ways, to embrace its returning OFWs and to relieve some pressure for
those who are able to stay abroad.

The Philippines in Bearing the Weight of OFWs’ Plight

The Philippine economy saw a decline of 0.2 percent in the first quarter, its steepest in more than 20 years. As
for its full-year GDP contraction, the country’s economic team projects that the Philippines will suffer a 2 to 3.4 percent
contraction; although the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary is hopeful that the country will recuperate in the second half
of 2020 and follow a V-shaped recovery. Nonetheless, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is doubtlessly missing
its remittance cushion. The Central Bank expects remittances to contract by 2 to 3 percent this year, a conservative
estimate in comparison to the massive $10 billion drop (around 35 percent of the 2019 statistic) earlier forecasted by an
ex-cabinet official. While the 2008 financial crisis may have faltered remittance inflows from most affected countries into
the Philippines, the economic risk that COVID-19 is generating is more complicated as the pandemic is penetrating in all
corners of the world. More so, falling oil prices in the Middle East, the top destination of Filipino workers, has exacerbated
the ordeal. In the middle of the Philippine government’s implementation of modified lockdowns throughout the country, lies
the looming impact of COVID-19 on its labor migration. Policymakers need not only to innovate with the economic loss
from disturbed cash inflows but also to instigate a best-of-situation strategy to reintegrate repatriated workers in their home
country despite the increasing levels of unemployment and other socio-economic factors. In April, the Philippine
government imposed a mandatory COVID-19 testing and a 14-day facility-based quarantine for all returning Filipinos. The
testing and all-related expenses of OFWs, both land-based and sea-based migrant workers, are to be covered by the
government. Non-OFWs, however, are to shoulder their accommodation costs. At present, OWWA is overseeing 110
quarantine facilities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces while appealing for Filipino workers’ understanding over
quarantine rules as some have aired on social media their disappointment on the lack of inter-agency organization.
Similar to many governments in the world, the Philippine government has so far unveiled a stimulus package
worth 200 billion Philippine pesos ($3.93 billion) to fund the administration’s measures in containing the pandemic and to
shore up the economy. Among the parked budget requirements was an emergency relief for displaced workers due to
COVID-19. The government has allotted over $29.6 million OFW cash aid targeting 150, 000 affected Filipinos. The
emergency assistance program grants a one-time $200 to an approved OFW applicant. While the Labor Department has
already disbursed assistance to some 86,000 OFWs, it is still requesting for a higher allocation from the national
government after receiving over 230,000 applications. Beyond these measures, the administration has been urged by the
academe and labor experts to secure welfare protection programs for OFWs. Inter-governmental dialogs should be initiated
to negotiate retainment of Filipino workers in their jobs and if possible, their inclusion in social amelioration programs. The
Philippines may also tap multilateral labor organizations in assisting the distressed workers. Moving forward, the
government should ensure expansive employment and social protection coverage for Filipino workers so as to safeguard
them from any crisis the world might have again witness. The Philippines has already harbored the reputation of being a
resilient nation. Prior to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic in domestic and global scenes, the country was already
confounded by the erratic eruptions of an active volcano and now as the typhoon season is launching, its citizens can only
choose to be strong. Above the systemic government fractures rise the Filipino people who continue to depict such
resilience in both home and abroad.

Retrieved from: https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/the-hurting-heroes-the-covid-19-crisis-and-overseas-filipino-workers/

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. Based on the article, what are the problems encountered by the OFWs? How
do they cope with these dilemmas?
2. How is the Philippine economy affected by the problems of OFWs abroad?
What are the remedies of the government to mitigate these concerns?
3. In this current situation, what advice would you give to OFWs who are still
in desire to work abroad? What do you think are the possibilities they must
consider in deciding to work?

12
 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Words to Ponder
Directions: Supply the missing information in the following numbers.
I. Define

1. Labor
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Migration
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. OFWs
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Business Process Outsourcing
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Subcontracting
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
II. Differentiate and give examples.

1. Labor-only contracting and job-contracting

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. Agribusiness sector and Service Sector

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

3. Temporary Migrants and Permanent Migrants

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Bologna Accord and Washington Accord
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Unemployment and Underemployment
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

13
 REMEMBER

 Labor is one of the important factors of production and it comprises the

physical and mental aspect of investment which includes the workforce
that set forth the manufacture of products within the industry.
 Labor can be seen in different sectors of our economy such as:
education, agribusiness, service sector, export and tourism
 Subcontracting scheme refers to an employment arrangement in which
the firm (principal) contracts with an agency or individual
subcontractor to perform a job or service within a specified time.
 Migration refers to the movement of a person from one place or political
territory to another - whether it is temporary or permanent.
 Irregular migrants are undocumented citizens, have no work permit and
are said to be overstaying in the country. Temporary migrants are
called citizens traveling abroad with appropriate permits and
paperwork to work and live on time. Permanent migrants are overseas
Filipinos whose goal of traveling abroad is not just their job but
permanent residency in their chosen country, which sometimes,
includes changing the citizenship.

POST TEST
Directions: Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your
answer in a separate sheet of paper.
1. It refers to an employment arrangement in which the firm (principal) contracts
with an agency to perform a job or service within a specified time. What labor
issue is being described in the sentence?
a. discrimination c. underemployment
b. subcontracting d. unemployment

2. Migration can be a temporary or permanent movement of people from one

place to another. Which of the following is LEAST considered as reason for
migration?
a. following the influence of a global trend.
b. a career that is expected to lead a prosperous life.

14
 c. persuasion of family members or relatives who have been living
overseas.
d. studying or acquiring technical knowledge specifically in industrialized
countries.
3. One of the major effects of globalization in the Philippines can be seen in the
workplace which has changed the landscape of employment system in the
country. Which of the following statements proves this change?
a. Foreign companies have been free to enter the country due to low wages
and unfair treatment of local workers.
b. Foreign companies are having a difficult time coming in the country, so
the wages of local workers have to be lowered.
c. There is a big competition among foreign companies, products and services
that’s why they hire more skilled workers.
d. The quality of local products is increasing in the global marketplace, so it
is imperative to hire overseas experts to train local workers.
4. They are migrants that are traveling abroad with appropriate permits and
paperwork to work and live on time. Some examples are foreign students
studying abroad and entrepreneurs who can only temporarily reside for six (6)
months. What type of migrants is being described in the sentences?
a. immigrants c. temporary
b. permanent d. none of the choices.
5. Globalization has played a major role in the influx of foreign companies,
products, and labor in the country. According to the DTI report in 2010, the
biggest growth here was in the service sector where the BPO industry is
leading. On the other hand, the agricultural sector continues to decline. What
conclusion can be drawn from this statement?
a. Most Filipino youth take BPO-related courses.
b. Filipinos are good in the field of technology and information.
c. The usage of modern gadgets has helped the Filipinos to keep up with
the on-line offerings.
d. The low-salary jobs and unstable labor condition in the country added
by our familiarity to English language serve as our assets to go with
these changes.

3
 REFERENCES

Books
Arzadon M. M. Romerosa P. G. Zarate M. J. (2018). Trends, Network, and Critical
Thinking. Manila: Vibal Publishing Inc.
Marquez, Leandro (2018). Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21 st
Century Culture. Quezon City: C & E Publishing Inc.

Online Sources
Araling Panlipunan 10 Learning Module. Retrieved from
https://archive.org/details/LM.AP104.21.17

Bajpai, Prableen (2020). Emerging Markets: Analyzing the Philippines's GDP.

Retrieved from
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/091815/emerging-
markets-analyzing-philippines-gdp.asp

Manlangit, Mary (2020). The Hurting Heroes: The COVID-19 Crisis and Overseas
Filipino Workers: Filipinos around the world are contending with the impact of
COVID-19. The Diplomat. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/the-
hurting-heroes-the-covid-19-crisis-and-overseas-filipino-workers/
Castles, S. Miller, M. (1998). The Age of Migration. Palgrave, London: Macmillan
Publishers Limited. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-
349-26846-7
Panganiban, A. (2017). Job contracting vs labor-only contracting. Retrieved from
https://opinion.inquirer.net/103981/job-contracting-vs-labor-
contracting#:~:text=Under%20this%20scheme%2C%20the%20carpenters,em
ployees%2C%20not%20of%20the%20owner.&text=This%20latter%20scheme
%20is%20%E2%80%9Clabor,allowed%20by%20the%20same%20law

http://accreditation.org/accords/mutual-recognition-agreements

https://psa.gov.ph/content/employment-rate-january-2020-estimated-947-
percent
https://psa.gov.ph/

https://psa.gov.ph/content/statistical-tables-labor-force-survey-lfs-january-2020

12
 Management and Development Team

Schools Division Superintendent: Maria Magdalena M. Lim, CESO V

Chief Education Supervisor: Aida H. Rondilla
CID Education Program Supervisor: Amalia C. Solis
CID LR Supervisor: Lucky S. Carpio
CID-LRMS Librarian II: Lady Hannah C Gillo
CID-LRMS PDO II: Albert James P. Macaraeg

Editor/s: Raul F. Espinosa, MT-II (Content), Restituto G. Lumacang Jr.,

T-III (Language)
Writer: Mark Lester C. Cuayzon, MT-II

13
 REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET
Name: _________________________________________ Gr. & Sec.: ________________
School: _________________ Date:____________ Subj. Tchr.:________________
1 5 5
Quarter No.: _______ Module No.: _______ Week No.: _______
4
Most Essential Learning Competency: To explain the need for collaboration and
cooperation to achieve interconnectedness of people and nations.

Objectives: To analyze the effects of globalization in the Philippine society

Topic: The Phenomenon of Globalization

The Global Invasion

Directions: Identify at least 10 things, objects, or products in your home. Then,
identify where they were made or the country of their origin. Afterwards, discuss
their impact in politics, economics, socio-cultural, and technology. Follow the format
below.
Impact

Object/ Things/Products Socio-

Politics Economy Technology
Cultural

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. What are the manifestations of globalization in politics, economy, socio-
cultural, and technology? How do you think the Philippines is coping in these
changes?
2. How does the Philippines benefit from collaboration and cooperation with
other countries? Cite an example.

14
 ANSWER KEY
PRETEST POSTTEST

1. C 1. D
2. D 2. A
3. C 3. A
4. D 4. C
5. A 5. D

15