Blessed Maria Cristina Brando School

General Trias, Cavite

A Research Regarding Racism Experienced by Overseas Filipino Workers

A study presented to Ms. Inie S. Gloriana

In partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Junior High School Curriculum

Aclera, Ken I.

Orilla, Angel Q.

Rayala, Johana Gabrielle S.

Tuba, Vonn Terrence D.

April 2024
 Blessed Maria Cristina Brando School

General Trias, Cavite

A Research Regarding Racism Experienced by Overseas Filipino Workers

A study presented to Ms. Inie S. Gloriana

In partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Junior High School Curriculum

Aclera, Ken I.

Orilla, Angel Q.

Rayala, Johana Gabrielle S.

Tuba, Vonn Terrence D.

April 2024
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As our thesis journey has ended, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and never-ending

appreciation to the people who were involved with the completion of this research. With their support,

we kept going even when we were unsure of the next step. To our respondents, who patiently

answered our questions and gave us their time and effort, without them, this thesis would not be

completed. Thank you so much.

To Ms. Inie S. Gloriana, our research adviser, thank you for guiding us and answering our never-

ending questions throughout this research.

To our parents, who gave us endless support throughout the whole rigorous and draining process

of research, thank you.

To our classmates for their utmost support throughout our thesis journey. Thank you, everyone,

for the laughs and memories we made doing this research.

And lastly, we want to thank each other. With all of our ideas combined, we came up with and

completed this thesis.

 DEDICATION

This research is dedicated to the millions of overseas Filipino workers who are tirelessly working in a

foreign country, far from their family and loved ones, and are continuously being berated, looked

down upon, discriminated against, abused, and enslaved. They are still fighting for their lives just to

support their families back in their motherland. Mabuhay ang mga bagong bayani.
 APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis entitled A Research Regarding Racism Experienced by Overseas Filipino Workers

prepared and submitted by Ken Aclera, Angel Orilla, Vonn Terrence Tuba, and Johana Gabrielle

Rayala presented to Blessed Maria Cristina Brando School in partial fulfillment of requirements in

the secondary curriculum, which has been examined, and is recommended for acceptance and

approval for defense.

Ms. Inie S. Gloriana

Research Adviser
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT 1

CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 2

Introduction 2
Theoretical Framework 4
Statement of the Problem 4
Hypothesis 5
Scope and Limitations of the Study 5
Conceptual Framework 5
Definition of Terms 6

CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 7

Local Literature 7
Local Studies 8
Foreign Studies 9
Legal Bases 10
Definition of Terms 11

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 12
Research Design
Sources of Data
Sampling Technique
Participants of the Study
Definition of Terms

CHAPTER 4: PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Data Presentation and Analysis
Definition of Terms

CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECCOMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings
Conclusions
Recommendations
Definition of Terms

APPEDICES
Appendix I
Appendix II

BIBLIOGRAPHY

WEBLIOGRAPHY
 ABSTRACT

This research was adequately investigated regarding the prejudice of overseas Filipino workers by

foreign countries. The data was gathered via interviews and questionnaires. Our analysis focused on

the young adults who were working at the time of data collection. We used analysis to determine the

impact of discrimination against overseas Filipino workers. Our research revealed substantial

discrimination against overseas Filipino workers, with over 24,000 cases of abuse and violations

reported in 2022, up from 6,500 in 2016. Working abroad involves significant compromises. Women

make up over 60% of the OFW workforce. These women face disproportionately harsh working

conditions, including abuse, overwork, low pay, rape, and even murder by their foreign employers.
 CHAPTER 1
The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Many Filipino laborers have chosen to work abroad in recent years in search of more

opportunities. In 2021 alone, an estimated 1.83 million Filipino laborers made the decision to work

abroad. In today's state of life, many of our fellow Filipinos are willing to risk their lives abroad in

order to put food on the table, given the significant difference between the cost of produce and the

lack of high-paying jobs.

Despite many challenges, 1.96 million people still wagered on the opportunity without certainty of

what would happen to them. With the increase in hate toward Asians due to the COVID-19 virus,

many of our fellow Filipinos also became victims of xenophobic comments, prejudice, and violence.

An infamous case involving OFWs is the domestic violence against Filipino housekeepers in the

United Arab Emirates. In 2020, there were 5,000 recorded cases of abuse; 4,302 of those occurred

in the Middle East, 593 were from Asia, and the remaining 86 were reported from Europe and Asia,

respectively.

According to Michael Omi and Howard Winant (1994, p.55), race is “a concept that signifies and

symbolizes social conflicts and interests by referring to different types of human bodies.” We can say

that race uses a human’s difference as a metaphor for contrast of interests and struggle for power.

Noel Cazenave and Darlene Alvarez Maddern (1999, p.42) defines racism as a “highly organized

system of ‘race’ based group privilege that operates at every level of society and is held together by

a sophisticated ideology of color/race supremacy.” A system that gives privilege base on race, and is

fueled by a complex ideology of color/race supremacy.

Based on Gordon Allport (1979, p.9) he defines prejudice as “an antipathy based on a faulty and

inflexible generalization.” With this said, we can say that prejudice is a form of hate solely based on

inaccurate representation.

The word “racism” has been recorded to have been used in 1902 by a man named Richard Henry

Pratt as he was criticizing racial segregation. It was then used again following the defeat of Germany

in World War I. The country’s deeply ingrained anti-Semitism was successfully exploited by the Nazi

Party when they gained power in 1933 and implemented policies of systematic discrimination,
persecution, and eventual mass murder of Jews in Germany and occupied territories during World

War II.

Meanwhile in North America and apartheid-era South Africa, racism was a different case.

Different races should be segregated from one another; that they should have their own community.

Racism was the heart of North American slavery and colonization. The whole idea of race was to

show the difference between the Whites and the African Americans whom they deemed as

“descendants of lesser human beings”.

As racism spreads, so does the problem that comes with it. Some world leaders started to label

the ethnic groups of their society as "higher" or "lower" races. Those who are seen as a lower-status

race were exploited and forced to do labor and faced harsh discrimination within their own country.

Discrimination against them is so prevalent that it is now a common pattern around the world.

The researchers conducted this study to shed light on the experiences of fellow Filipino workers

who are employed abroad, particularly on the racism and prejudice they encountered as well as the

difficulties they encountered while living abroad.

Theoretical Framework

• Underemployment Discrimination • Rights

• Lack of
Opportunities
Against Overseas • Racism
Filipino Workers • Injustice
• Poor Economy

A B
A: {Underemployment, Lack of Opportunities, Poor Economy}

B: {Rights, Racism, Injustice}

A B: {Discrimination Against Overseas Filipino Workers}

In Figure 1 above, it shows the concept of the proposed relationship between the three different

subjects, in which Discrimination Against Overseas Filipino Workers is the product when both

subjects intersect. The labels, both named Set A and Set B, respectively, contain the words:

underemployment, lack of opportunities, and poor economy. Set B, on the other hand, is composed

of rights, racism, and injustice. The diagram suggests, due to problems, people would work abroad

where they experienced discrimination and racism.

Statement of the Problem

The general problem of the research is to acknowledge the racism and discrimination

experienced by Overseas Filipino Workers.

This study specifically looked for responses to the following questions:

1. What is the respondent's demographic profile in terms of:

a. Age

b. Gender

c. Relationship Status

d. Occupation

e. Place of Occupation

2. Why did you decide to become an OFW?

3. What are your expectations when you became an OFW?

 4. When you worked abroad, did you encounter any racism or discrimination?

5. Does your race have an impact on your salary?

6. Do you, as an OFW, experience being looked down upon in foreign countries?

Hypothesis

There is a significant relationship between racism and the discrimination experienced by

Overseas Filipino workers.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The respondents to the study are adults ranging from 25-40 years old, only the respondents are

eligible to use the study’s findings.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Respondents’ profile
according to:

1. Age
2. Gender • Data collection • Different
3. Relationship of respondents’ challenges
Status profile. Filipino workers
4. Occupation face while
• Administering
5. Place of working
Occupation queries or
conducting an overseas.
interview.
Experiences while
working overseas.
Definition of Terms

1. Anti-Semitism – hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or

racial group.

2. Prejudice – preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

3. Race – social construct used to group people.

4. Racism – discrimination and prejudice against people based on their race or ethnicity.

5. Xenophobia – fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or

foreign.
 CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Legal Bases, Literatures, and Studies

Review of Local Literature

Together with nations like China and India, the Philippines is one of the top exporters of laborers

abroad; in 2023 alone, there were about 2,525,140 Filipinos employed overseas. The primary

industries in which Overseas Workers are employed are healthcare, domestic work, and

construction.

A news article by Mara Cepeda of Rappler (Cepeda, 2021) reported that Philippine Foreign

Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in an interview that the world is nowhere near ending the

“scourge” of racism, stating the continued racial abuse of Filipino migrant workers. "Filipino migrants

and immigrants became victims and are subjected to rising physical and verbal abuse simply

because of their ethnicity. In many countries, migrants have suffered from disparities in access to

economic and health services, including vaccines, perhaps in the hope that the virus will do the work

for them,” Locsin said. “We are still very far off from eliminating the scourge of racism and related

intolerance,” added the Department of Foreign Affairs chief. After an incident where a 65-year-old

woman Filipino-American was attacked and suffered severe injuries in New York City.

The coalition of migrant worker associations in Hong Kong is calling on the Philippines and

Indonesia to declare two Hong Kong lawmakers "persona non grata" following their "slave-master

mentality" remarks. Kaycee Valmonte from Philstar reported (Valmonte, 2023). The Asian Migrants'

Coordinating Body (AMCB-IMA) reported that Hong Kong Legislative Council member Elizabeth

Quat described migrant domestic workers as "products who do not match their description." The

coalition also called out Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong

lawmaker Frankie Ngan for his proposals, which include a plan to stop migrant workers from job-

hopping. “We call on the Philippine and Indonesian governments to declare Ms. Quat and Mr. Ngan

as ‘persona non grata’" AMCB-IMA spokesperson Dolores Belladares-Perez said in a statement on

February 19, 2023. “Dispute their claims and protect your nationals. Don’t just watch silently as your

constituents’ dignity as people and as workers are being attacked,” she added.
Review of Local Studies

In this study conducted by (Atos et al., 2022, p.6) majority of the Overseas Filipino Workers come

from the Philippines’ poorer regions, most Filipinos are forced to leave the country in order to provide

for their families and themselves, the researchers also talked about the common challenges Filipino

migrant workers face.

The most common challenges Filipino migrant workers face is discrimination since many citizens

of the nation where they work feel that they are not wanted there. Their race is another factor. In

order to overcome these obstacles, they seek out the support of their fellow Filipinos, take part in

cultural activities, and keep in touch with their relatives back home. They also turn to their

companies' and the local Filipino communities for guidance and support. They also overcome

challenging conditions by developing resilience and maintaining a positive outlook.

Most Overseas Filipinos Workers work abroad to provide for their families, to advance their

careers and to be financially stable. The researchers pointed out that despite of the discrimination

Filipino migrant workers often face, they endure this with the help of their resiliency, ingenuity, and

support systems, just so they can provide for their family in Philippines.

According to a paper titled “Life Challenges of Overseas Filipino Workers,” published by (Bautista

& Tamayo, 2020) many Filipinos opt to work abroad to earn a better income to support their families,

but instead of a “fairytale” experience while working abroad, they faced challenges and difficulties.

Some of the challenges they faced were homesickness, where over 70.20% of the respondents

answered; second was the salary, which 35.30% of the respondents faced; followed by employers;

and language barriers, which earned 33.20% and 30.90%, respectively.

It is important to note that the study’s youngest respondent is 19 years old, while the oldest is 66

years old, and the top destination country for migrant workers is the United Arab Emirates, where

20% of the study’s respondents worked. The study concluded that Filipino migrant workers did not

have a very hard time communicating with foreigners as Filipinos are fluent in English; additionally,

female overseas workers are sending a greater share of remittances than their male counterparts.

The study pointed out that having strong communication with their families in the Philippines is

important, as distance may cause rifts between families.

Review of Related Foreign Literature

As mentioned by Melissa Flores in her work, Images from the Past: Stereotyping Filipino

Immigrants in California, Filipino immigrants during the 1920s and 1930s were described as "stupid,"

“morally inferior," and “savages” by Americans. What prompted this judgment was the propaganda

spread by the United States during the Philippine-American War, showing Filipinos as uneducated,

dirty, and, above all, uncivilized. We saw an increase in the number of Filipino immigrants during

1920–1930, which alarmed many Americans and even led to the 30th President of the United States,

Calvin Coolidge, saying that American parents should be “cautioned” around these “alienated

children” who are “menacing” the American children. However not all Americans share the same

prejudiced ideals against Filipinos. Some were surprised by how neat and well-mannered these

“savage monkeys” are.

According to the paper published by (San Juan Jr., 2009) Overseas Filipino Workers: The Making

of an Asian-Pacific Diaspora, the numbers of Migrant workers has increased by 10% in the last two

decades and has been drastically changing ever since the 1970s. Overseas Filipino Workers not just

faces discrimination against foreigners, but they also experience slavery on several foreign

countries. Yet, they don’t care how painful it is, they just care how much money they can send to

their families no matter the pain especially in countries where war is currently happening, Filipino

migrants stay by their employer’s side. Despite being hard-working, loyal, and an optimistic worker,

Female Overseas Filipino Workers are being stereotyped as “quasi-slaves.”

Review of Related Legal Bases

1. Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 8042). An act to

institute the policies of overseas employment and establish a higher standard of protection

and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers, their families, overseas workers in distress,

and for other purposes.

The State must uphold the dignity of Filipino migrant workers, ensuring labor protection,

equal employment opportunities, and timely social, economic, and legal services. It

acknowledges their economic contribution through foreign exchange remittances but does not

promote overseas employment for economic growth or national development.

The State upholds gender equality and applies gender-sensitive criteria in policies and

programs affecting migrant workers. Filipino migrant workers and overseas Filipinos have the

right to participate in democratic decision-making processes and be represented in relevant

overseas employment institutions.

2. Republic Act No. 11299 (amended RA 8042). An act establishing the office for the welfare

attaché. The state shall provide full protection to overseas employees, promote full equality of

opportunity for all, and provide economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers,

especially for workers who are vulnerable to violence, emotional abuse, and psychological

abuse.
Definition of Terms

1. Diaspora – a population that is scattered across regions which are separate from its

geographic place of origin.

2. Persona non grata – a Latin phrase meaning “unwelcome person.” As a legal term, it

refers to the practice of a state or a country prohibiting someone from entering.

3. Remittances – a sum of money sent, especially by mail, in payment for goods or services

or as a gift.