Opitan, JR G.

ABLCS 2-1
Contemporary World

The image of the resilient Filipino has become deeply ingrained in the national
consciousness. From surviving catastrophic typhoons to enduring political turbulence, Filipinos
have demonstrated unwavering resilience and a remarkable capacity to overcome hardship.
Typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions are all frequent natural disasters in the
Philippines. Despite the loss and misery, Filipinos rebuild with incredible speed and
determination. The bayanihan spirit, demonstrated by community spirit and generosity, shines
most during difficult times. Beyond nature's rage, political environments present challenges.
Issues such as corruption, violence, and a lack of transparency can hinder progress and destroy
trust. However, Filipinos have a strong history of standing up for their rights and demanding
responsibility. From peaceful protests to electing change-makers, they actively strive for a better
future. Economic pressures further complicate the Filipino experience. Pandemics, inflation, and
limited job opportunities pose significant challenges. However, the Filipino spirit refuses to be
suppressed. Many people pursue entrepreneurship, while others seek possibilities abroad as
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). While their absence causes a hole in families and
communities, their sacrifices make a major contribution to the national economy. However, the
massive migration of skilled workers due to limited opportunities in the Philippines asks an
important question: Is this a symptom of a deeper issue? Poverty, wealth disparity, and
inadequate infrastructure all contribute to the desire to find better fields abroad. Addressing
systemic issues is important for maintaining individuals and promoting long-term development.
The challenges Filipinos face are diverse and complex, but one thing remains constant: their
unwavering spirit. It is this very spirit that fuels their fight for a better life, both individually and
collectively. From rebuilding communities to advocating for change, Filipinos embody the
essence of resilience and determination.

The analysis of the Filipino diaspora by E. San Juan Jr. presents a complicated and
complex view of a phenomena influenced by historical factors as well as economic challenges.
San Juan's essays go beyond the specific perspective of Filipinos living overseas as "Overseas
Filipino Workers" (OFWs), emphasizing instead the diversity of their experiences and the wider
effects of their displacement. San Juan emphasizes the role of colonialism and neocolonialism in
shaping the Filipino diaspora. He argues that centuries of foreign domination, first by Spain and
then by the United States, created economic underdevelopment and political instability, pushing
Filipinos to seek opportunities abroad. This systemic economic marginalization, he contends, is
the root cause of the "export of human labor" that defines the Filipino diaspora. With almost 9
million individuals, or 10% of the population, working abroad and sending enormous remittances
(US$33.5 billion in 2019), the Philippines has one of the greatest labor diasporas in the world,
which boosts the country's economy. However, the common perception of the Filipino immigrant
is that of a suffering martyr who must face the difficulties of adjusting to life overseas, is
vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, and occasionally feels alone because of
being apart from relatives. San Juan identifies the Filipino family as a crucial unit, with OFWs
often sending remittances back home to support loved ones. Yet, this reliance on remittances can
create a cycle of dependence, reinforcing inequalities and hindering local development.

San Juan's insights about the Filipino experience in his article "The Filipino Diaspora"
offers an informative perspective on the complexities of Filipino identity, both within and
beyond the diaspora. I think my perspective against romanticizing the diaspora aligns with San
Juan's critique of Palumbo-Liu. While the diaspora does offer opportunities for reinvention and
adaptation, it is important to acknowledge the underlying issues of displacement, economic
hardship, and the historical trauma inflicted by colonialism. This complicated understanding
resonates with my personal experience as a Filipino, witnessing the lingering effects of
colonization despite gaining independence. Compared to the other countries in South-East Asia,
their strong cultural foundation allowed them to navigate the challenges of globalization while
retaining their identity. The Philippines, unfortunately, faces a different reality. The destruction of
cultural documents and the suppression of indigenous languages during colonization undeniably
hampered cultural preservation. These visible effects are evident in the difficulty of formulating
sentences in full Filipino today. However, instead of solely lamenting the loss, it's vital to
acknowledge the resilience and adaptability of the Filipino people. Despite the complexities,
Filipinos have forged a unique identity shaped by both pre-colonial traditions and foreign
influences. The dominance of Catholicism, for instance, reflects the historical reality of Spanish
colonization, yet it has been interwoven with indigenous beliefs and practices, creating a distinct
Filipino Catholicism. However, instead of solely lamenting the loss, it's vital to acknowledge the
resilience and adaptability of the Filipino people. Despite the complexities, Filipinos have forged
a unique identity shaped by both pre-colonial traditions and foreign influences. The dominance
of Catholicism, for instance, reflects the historical reality of Spanish colonization, yet it has been
interwoven with indigenous beliefs and practices, creating a distinct Filipino Catholicism.
Therefore, it's crucial to move beyond viewing the diaspora simply as a consequence of historical
baggage. Filipinos across the globe, whether facing challenges within the country or adapting to
new environments abroad, are actively shaping their identities. They are reclaiming lost cultural
elements, reinterpreting traditions, and contributing to the diverse tapestry of globalized culture.

My attention was also drawn to another idea that San Juan gave about the complex
choices many Filipinos face: to stay and struggle within their homeland or seek a better life
abroad. The question of return, San Juan highlights, becomes intricately bound with economic
realities and yearning for family unity. San Juan's observation aligns with my father’s experience
– Filipinos often return only when financially secure, suggesting a lingering fear of returning to
the very poverty they escaped. This economic push factor is amplified by my father's struggles,
finding ageism and limited opportunities blocking his path in the Philippines. My father became
an OFW when I was only in grade 4, and he only came home when I was in grade 8. Fortunately,
our quality of life improved and we became financially stable. Me and my older sibling were
able to receive an education and afford our own luxuries, and my parents were able to build our
own house. That’s when my father was satisfied to return to the Philippines and start his own
business. While seeking a better life is understandable, it comes at a cost. Separation from loved
ones, cultural disconnect, and adapting to new norms can be challenging. Therefore, the decision
to leave is not simply economic, but deeply personal. It involves weighing individual dreams
against familial bonds, cultural roots against the promise of a brighter future. There is no easy
answer, as each narrative, like my mother’s and each of the Filipino’s, is unique.

The concluding remarks of the article significantly reshaped my perception of the

Filipino Diaspora. My understanding of its various consequences, both positive and bad, has
grown significantly. I am motivated to learn more about the complex dynamics of this
phenomenon in greater depth. San Juan’s informative insights in his article resonated deeply with
me. I really like the flow and the way he focuses on economics, for economic hardship
undeniably pushes many Filipinos abroad, seeking opportunities their homeland struggles to
provide. This resonates with your call for improved governance and economic development. A
thriving Philippines would offer not just jobs, but stability, hope, and a reason for those in the
diaspora to return. But I think it would be more informative if San Juan uses more reference or
representation of Filipinos within their homeland. This analysis takes that desire a step further,
exploring the bravery, complexities, and hopes woven into the Filipino experience. The Filipino
story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering hope for a better tomorrow, both within
and beyond the diaspora. Let us work towards a future where both the dream of staying and the
choice to return are equally viable, allowing Filipinos to thrive wherever their journey takes
them.

Moving forward, it is crucial to invest in solutions that address the root causes of these
challenges. By empowering communities, strengthening institutions, and creating opportunities
for growth, we can nurture an environment where the Filipino spirit thrives, not just survives. Let
us remember, the challenges may be formidable, but so too is the strength and resilience of the
Filipino people. It is within their hands, and ours, to build a future worthy of their unwavering
spirit. Upon reading E. San Juan Jr. 's “The Filipino Diaspora,” I realized that understanding the
Filipino diaspora requires acknowledging this complexity. It necessitates addressing the
economic factors that push people away, while fostering opportunities and hope within the
Philippines. It means valuing the sacrifices made by those abroad, while recognizing the
challenges they face. It reminds us that the journey for a better life can be arduous, but the
yearning for family, cultural roots, and a sense of belonging remains a constant anchor.
Ultimately, the pull of the two shores – the homeland and the adopted land – will continue to
shape the Filipino diaspora, each story reminding us of the sacrifices made and the dreams
pursued in the search for a brighter tomorrow.
References:

Juan, E. S. (2001). The Filipino Diaspora. Philippine Studies, 49(2), 255–264.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/42634629

Globalization. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/globalization/

Filipino migrants are agents of change. (n.d.). Lowy Institute.

https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/filipino-migrants-are-agents-change