The Filipinos have a history of migrating to other countries to work, and this trend

remains consistent. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there were 2.2

million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in 2022 (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022).

Where 1.4 million are Land-Based, and around 800 thousand are sea-based or

seafarers, the country is the leading supplier of seafarers globally. OFWs are present in

a wide variety of nations and professions and contribute significantly to the Philippine

economy by sending money home. Filipinos move abroad to work for various reasons,

such as to pursue employment possibilities, reunite with family members, or pursue

educational and training opportunities.

One reason for the high number of OFWs is the lack opportunity and low-income

wage. The country has a high unemployment rate, and many Filipinos struggle to find

decent-paying jobs that can support their families. With the ease of the pandemic

situation, the unemployment rate decreased to 4.5 percent in October 2022 from 7.4

percent during the same period last 2021. But still this doesn’t change the fact that the

current government are not doing anything to solve inflation. The basic commodities

and the services are basically increasing but the minimum wage has been the same.

The high unemployment rate is one of the main reasons why many Filipinos migrate

abroad to work in search of better economic opportunities and higher wages. Other

contributing factors to the high unemployment rate include the slow growth of the

Philippine economy and a lack of job opportunities.

The next reason I will give is for the privileged Filipinos. The desire to reunite with

family members is another reason for the high number of OFWs. Family reunification is

a significant reason for Filipinos, they have family members in a specific country, and
they choose to go there not only for a more excellent opportunity but also to provide

emotional support to their loved ones. Additionally, we all know that the Philippines is a

close-knit society, meaning we value the sense of belonging when we are with the

people we love. This is important for those people who may feel lonely or isolated in a

new country, especially with the new culture and environment that they are having.

Better living conditions, such as having access to power, clean water, and

healthcare, may also be a significant factor in why Filipinos migrate to other nations.

Due to the fact that these essentials are occasionally unavailable or unreliable in the

Philippines, many Filipinos may think that moving to another country would improve

their quality of life. Additionally, the cost of living in the Philippines can be high,

particularly in urban areas. Some Filipinos may believe that by living and working

overseas, they can save more money or have a better standard of living. Filipinos

frequently leave their home country in search of better living conditions.

Overall, the decision to migrate for work is complex and is influenced by various

personal, economic, and social factors. For many Filipinos, the opportunity to improve

their financial situation and provide for their families, reunite with loved ones, and

access education and training opportunities are all motivations for migrating to other

countries to work.
References:

Statista. (2022). Number of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW) during to the

coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1243715/repatriated-overseas-workers-coronavirus-

philippines/

National Economic and Development Authority. (2022). PH sustains strong recovery,

upbeat labor market. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from

https://neda.gov.ph/ph-sustains-strong-recovery-upbeat-labor-market-neda/#:~:text=The

%20Philippine%20Statistics%20Authority%20reported,the%20same%20period%20last

%20year.

Migration Policy Institute. (2017). The Philippines: Beyond Labor Migration, Toward

Development and (Possibly) Return. Retrieved January 4, 2022 from

https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/philippines-beyond-labor-migration-toward-

development-and-possibly-return

National Library of Medicine. (2019). Internal Migration: why do Filipinos move?

Retrieved January 4, 2022 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12311952/