The Philippines is largely a country of emigration. In fact, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are hailed as the country’s new heroes for their vital contributions in our economy. We are famous for “exporting” our human resources, the most vital driving force of any country. Brain drain especially for skilled workers and professionals from the medical fields have gone rampant. Our country’s loss has been the gain of First world countries like the United States, Canada, Australia and European countries.
I haven’t thought emigration here in my country has gone THAT bad until a subordinate at work was denied of her tourist visa application for Norway. It was clearly noted in the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s reply to her visa application that “the applicant came from a country with a great potential for emigration due to its social and economic situations. In our experience, many applicants from the Philippines wish to resettle in other countries”.
For me, it’s kind of a big slap in the face for us Filipinos. We are famous for wanting to leave our own country because of the adverse economic conditions we Filipinos are all experiencing. We resort to leaving our families behind to give them a good quality of life. The threatening permanent loss of highly skilled and educated people in the Philippines is a reason for growing concern.
The Filipinos are hired abroad because of cheap labor cost. And what do our government have to say? Can they not remedy the high unemployment rate here in our own country? Though sending off Filipino workers abroad are mitigated with clearcut policies to bring benefits to both the country of origin and the country of destination, the impact of emigration could be detrimental for our country’s social and economic development. It should be a main focus of anxiety for concerned parties because we suffer major losses from it in the long term.
As for our country’s emigration state, I can only see two major reasons why Filipinos are motivated to leave the Philippines:
- Poor economic condition
- Bad Governance
General Santos Time
36 Comments
July 25th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Oh well, what can we do for that? I never dream to go abroad but I was dragged by the opportunity for how many times I resist. We must admit, karamihan ng umaaseseso sa atin ay yung mga nsa itaas, masisisi ba natin sila kung wala na silang choice kundi hanapin ang kapalaran abroad? May naitutulong naman ang mga OFW sa pinas diba?
Hay, ikaw Lainy diko alam kung idol mo Miriam Defensor? And bibigat ng mga concern mo dae?. Bata kpa oy. daeg mopa lawyer oy! Kakastress yung mga pinag-iisip mo eh wala naman tayo magagawa dyan? Pati ako deri gabasa kay magkakawrinkles with matching x ang kilay pag inisip koyan. Hayy..
[Reply]
July 25th, 2008 at 9:44 am
@ JOYOZ:
Hahahaha! Maka-stress diay ni nga post, oh well, let’s face it, the truth strikes right in front of us. But we can’t do anything, kundi ang mag-isip na rin na mag-abroad, right? It’s not that I’m always critical about things. This post was prompted by the day’s events, when my co-worker got denied for a tourist visa for Norway. I’m not condemning you or other immigrants for leaving the Philippines, I am targeting the Philippine bureaucracy and not the OFW’s. If only they give us sufficient reasons to stay, diba?
Diko idol si Miriam pero she’s a brilliant lawyer, ha. Hmmm, do i sound like more than a lawyer?hahaha! Anyways, nakaka-stress talaga pag andito ka sa PInas, good thing you’re out of the country, wink!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
sad, isn’t it?
re: the denial of visa…i honestly feel sorry for those kabayans who really are just going to those countries as tourist and nothing else. but most western embassies tend to look at filipinos as runaways. there are lots of tnt filipinos everywhere. you can’t blame them (embassies) because they are just doing their jobs protecting their country. they say it’s because other filipinos do such thing (running away/tnt) that’s why “we” are sometimes known to be like that.
though i can understand why some runaway. hoping to earn more to send back home, for a better life.
hay, that sad fact of being in a third world!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2008 at 11:13 am
@ MUMMY SHENG:
Korek, Mummy Sheng!
You’re right. We can’t blame the embassies because they have their own laws and it is protect their ouw country and countrymen. We can’t blame our fellow FIlipinos either.
She actually has a boyfriend there but she got denied because she wasn’t able to substantiate the purpose and the conditions of the planned visit. The Embassy do not consider visiting her boyfriend satisfactory reason to overrule the fact that they find my workmate lacking the necessary ties to country of origin, i.e., properties, financial capabilities and the like.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Adverse economic conditions are fueled by weak politic, as what is happening to Malaysia.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
It is kinda insulting, I mean the reply from the embassy. But that’s it, as a malay saying goes, “just because a drop of indigo the whole bowl of milk got spoilt”. Just because of some Filipinos, the others have to face the consequences.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 12:44 am
It is what it is. A lot of Filipinos want to go abroad to give a better life to their families. If the government starting from the Marcos era just did their job, then the state of the Philippine economy wouldn’t be what it is today, in the dumpster.
Definitely Maybe!
Not Just Another Blog…
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Ellaine,
Talagang yan ang trend. Pinoys are really in need of greener pastures kay ayan puro abroad ang nasa isip natin.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 3:59 am
It hurts sis pero its the fact. The saddest part is they think of filipinos to be like that in general, kung ano ang kasalanan ng isa, damay lahat. I didn’t dream of leaving Philippines for a greener pasture, it just happened. People think that life abroad is all pleasure and fun but its not, mahirap ang life abroad. Sometimes you can’t blame the embassies why they deny visas for filipinos kasi tayo din naman may kasalanan eh. Honestly, meron talaga mga loko-lokong pinoys. Yon nga lang nakakainis sa part mo if lalo na your intention is really to have a vacation abroad.
At ang mas nakakadami ng wrinkles ay ang government natin lang ginagawa about it. Hahay life…
Btw sis, we’ll be staying here in Pinas for the meantime.. read my post about it na lang.. :]
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
To the best of my knowledge, what this article is talking about applies to all African countries. Here, we believe every part of the world is better off than Africa. Honestly, and people will do any and everything it takes to leave Africa.
I think my country (Cameroon) is just placing itself at the worst scenario. Go to the American Emabassy in Cameroon and you will find about 300 people (average) seeking for a US visa.
The youth see no future living here, and perhaps the government is making it worse by “admitting” it. I really don’t envy any country. All I am after is education. Planning to go and study web development and programming.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
that is so sad.I can’t blame for Pinoys to go abroad though,sa hirap ng panahon ngayon dapat lang uunahin nila ang pamilya nila.
P.S I am asking a favor from you,hope you don’t mind voting for my love story located on the sidebar of my blog titled THE MAN OF MY DREAMS.Thank you so much for the time!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Hi Princess,
I have something for you on my blog. I hope you like it,. Just tke a look at This Post
Thanks
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 5:18 am
@ MALAYSIA NEWS DIGEST:
I was able to take a peek at your posts. I can see that you have a political blog out there. I am sorry but I couldn’t say much about your contry’s political condition. I think all countries in the world have their own share of struggles, but there are also countries who seem to take no fault in their ways of manning the bureaucracy.
@ SYARI:
Welcome back, Syari! I’ve missed you! I knew you were out for a vacation. ANyway, that’s exactly what I meant,Syari. We ultimately get stereotyped for other people’s doings.
@ BABETTE, TWINKS & JESSIE:
I couldn’t help but agree with you more! Sana naman may natitira pang matitinong government officials. Pero sa lagay ngayon, mukhang wala na atang pag-asa tong bansa natin. Hay, buhay!
@ AZ BLOGGING:
I completely understand what you meant, Che. I took up African Political System as one of my major subjects for my Political Science undergraduate studies and I understand very well what Africans are going through. My heart goes out to all Africans. But there is still hope. With Africans like you who is educated and sincerely understands and have a heart for your fellow African’s plight, a dramatic change is not impossible. Though I know it wouldn’t be as easy as it is, but at least, there is HOPE.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 5:24 am
@ TEXAS SWEETIE:
I’ve already casted my vote for today, dear. Dor emind me everyday whenever you can. Best of
luck in the polls!
@ AZ BLOGGING:
WOW! I am speechless, Che! THank you for randomly selecting me to be one of the top recipients of that awesome Blogging Friends Forever Award. COming from a great person like you, I appreciate it all the more! You are one of the few friends I’ve found here over the blogosphere who have been so nice to me right from the start. Thanks a whole lot!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Leyn, they have already said what’s on the tip of my tongue, hehe! I just hope nalang that Australian Embassy is not that strict when it comes to getting your tourist visa.
PS: Leyn dugay ko na na post tong pic the day na nag ask ka. i-PM ko nalang sa YM mo ang link ha.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I doubt it, Lermz. Basta First World country kay strict jud. Discouraged na pud ko mu-apply ana oi, hay! Ay oo, nakita ko na ang car Lermz, nindot! Red na red! Happ new!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Insightful story … I don’t really hear of these things in Minnesota. Sometimes it’s like we are isolated from the rest of the world, until I read something like this.
Great Post!!
Hello from SpeedtCat
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 12:40 am
It is a total depression to be here in the Phil kaya I usually advise my students to migrate.heheheheh
Hopeless na ang Phil, it is drowned not just sinking. too bad, it wont offer any good to our younger kids.tc my friend.mwa
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 2:27 am
I think I just have to say Amen here. It’s so sad to know that Philippine Gov’t. is getting worst and fellow Filipinos are losing their hope to have a brighter future there. I agree with az blogging, other countries suffer also because of their corrupt Gov’t. Officials.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 3:06 am
hi! pretty girl Im back nakamiss ko ito hahha,anyway yan ang totou sb nga kahit san makakakita ka ng pinoy kc sa hirap ng buhay satin naman kc yung mga nakaupo lng ang yumayaman kaya yun nanginigbang bansa nalang cla,hay life
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 5:40 am
hello there thanks for passing by..
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 7:02 am
bulls eye! The truth is in your post. Aren’t you happy, they realized they are dying without leaving?
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 7:47 am
There are more Filipinos working in Singapore in many industries.
In the service line, they are very welcomed because Filipinos are warm, service oriented and have cheerful smiles!
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Hello Thank you 4 your visit… Take care.. Really notsure how to commmenton the article there are several ways of viewing the topic…
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 11:48 am
@scottysp:
hi po!.glad to b back. natuwa naman ako sa mga true comment ng iyong mambabasa..as for me, whose been in abroad years, i could just justified that..nkkagulat talga ang exodus ng mga pinoys abroad, and they’re trying all their possible ways and means to go and stay out of the country..
but given the chance, wala pa ring sasarap na magretire sa sariling atin:)
see u po.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 11:52 am
@ SPEEDCAT HOLLYDALE: :
It’s great to see you back here again, Eric. It’s been ages! Yeah, I know what you mean. Our kind of life can’t compare with yours. THe United States has always been the destination of most immigrants and why not? A hegemonic superpower and lots of opportunities in the offing…
@ ROSILIE & MICHELLE, :
I agree. As of this writing, GMA is having her State of the Nation Address (SONA). ANother round of accomplishment-bragging, if there is such a term, LOL!
@ LAURA:
Laura Dearie!!!! It’s great to see you’re back! I’ve missed you. I can’t find your cbox widget in your blog, but I’ve been always checking you out, waiting for your updates…
@ JHONA:
You are most welcome, dear!
@ JACKSTOWE:
I can never be happy seeing that a lot of monsters are in power hanging on like a leech, if you know what I mean…
@ EASTCOASTLIFE:
It’s because Filipinos always excel in almost, if not all, endeavors that we undertake. Too bad we lack the opportunities here in our own country that we can’t be the best that we would like to be…
@ JK:
Thanks for the visit, Jim! My best regards to Nancy…
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
This is some thing I would have never known if I hadn’t read this article.It reminds me of the cultures around the world that are losing their identity due to modernization.It really is quite sad.Then again you can’t blame people for trying to better their situation.Pretty soon we will all be robots with no cultural differences.Diversity is what makes the world so interesting.After reading this article I came to realize this is something that will eventually effect all of us.Take care and I hope things will get better.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Dropping by here sis.. musta ang weekend? oi papagawa pa rin ikaw ng layout? just send me the pics lang tell me anong colour gusto. :] thanks
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Hi we have something 4 u on our page please stop TY…
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
What a sad, insightful post. Thank you for sharing it.
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
This is happening not only in Philippines, but all 3 world countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, etc.
I always visit Pinoy expat’s blog from Entrecard and it is about 20 – 30% of all 600 sites visited from Entrecard. No wonder, Graham have created another new category of Expat in his campaign.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Well, one day I would like to visit the Philippines. I may even end up living their if I like it.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 1:33 am
@ GREGORIO: :
Thanks for the comment and your additional insights. Cultural diversity encompasses the cultural differences that exists among us. But it’s so true that cultural diversity is decreasing in the world. As we are slowly lossing our own cultural diversity, we lose languages and customs and history. Also in many ways we lose our own sense of our own identities.
I hope life really would get better for us here in our counrty but 90% of Filipinos are already losing hope.
@ JOSH OF ARABIA:
Yes Josh, certainly, there’s still no place like home!
@ TWINKS:
My weekend is OK sis, Got enough time to rest and recover from my flu. Tnanks for the offer of helping me out with my template. Can we talk about it over YM?
@ JK:
THanks Jim! I will take a peek at it later!
@ CAROL & ATNIZ:
Thanks for your comments, beautiful ladies!
THat’s the sad truth with underdeveloped countries. We are at the bottom of the global economy, with widespread extreme poverty and dire living conditions.
We are so helpless!
Oh, I woudln’t have known about Expat if you haven’t mentioned it here, Atniz. THanks for the info!
@FELIZ NOIR :
Philippines is still a beautiful country with beautiful people despite our economic struggles. you will live like a king here because of the currency conversion which stands high for now: 1$-43 pesos. Poor peso!
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 1:42 am
Hi Scotty’s princess…thanks for the article about my rejected visa application. After reading the comments of your readers and friends, I convince myself to share some thoughts concerning this matter …well, my friend, we cannot deny about the conditions of our country, we’ve already discern that Philippines endured the low economic situation and a reason why Filipinos experience this misery and obscurity due to a wrong governance of our country. In this situation some Filipinos decided to migrate in other country to have a better life, some are applying a visiting visa, the intention is to find a job after the expiration of the said visa, on the other hand, some Filipinos decided to get married an alien, to live in other country to have a good future, and last part, some Filipinos leave their family and love ones to work in other country as a domestic helper although they have a high level of professions here in our own country. In this scenario, I cannot blame the immigration to reject my visa application, because they are also protecting their laws and in respect for that, I also do my best to submit my positions papers to articulate and informed them that I will return to my place of origin. If they approve my letter of appeal, then that’s a big deal to me..Yeheeeeeeeeeee!!!! you can imagine now my face…hehehhe..Hello..I love my country and my job…kay bisan wala ko ka graduate 4 years course…lucky gyapon ko sa job ko…heheheh
Anyway, my boyfriend made also some actions about it and we both pray and hope for a positive result. Well, lets see and wait…if it is not for me…then…we will go to our Plan B….at last, I know how aggressive my boyfriend to meet me but good if I can experience his life in Norway, because according to him, he has a quiet and peaceful life and he wants me to experience that life……and start to plan for a good future….although he can visit me here anytime he wants…well well…miss pretty elyn..you know that how I dare to have my own man in life..no matter if he is rich or poor the important for me is I can own him and no one can steal him from me……huhuhu….seeeeeeeeeeee…….how disperate I am…..but good for me, I know God will answer my prayer in a right time…
..and we know that love is a big struggle for us as a woman…..because they said…out of 100% of men there’s only 10% are good men….and my man belongs to 10% and im sure your prince too…hehehehe…but beware because they said out of 10% of good men mostly are gay…hahahahha…good luck my friend …and congratulations!!….sorry lyn ha…wala ko na ginpacorrect English ko sa anak ko…kapoy maghulat sa iya naa pa cya sa school…bahala cila magsabot..hehehe….at least grade 1 section 10 man ko..dili section 11…hehehehe…..see u…and God bless thanks for being good to me.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 3:59 am
@ ANGEL_AIM:
Very well said, Ate V! AT least you’ve said your piece na. I hope your appeal will get positive response and a reversal of the embassy decision will ensue. We all want that happiness. Basta I really want you to be happy because I know how miserable your life was with your previous relationships. I hope Dagfinn is really the one for you na.
Good luck, God bless and see you tomorrow at work, hehe!
[Reply]
May 11th, 2011 at 7:09 am
hi lainy!
hahaha, i read your post…its nice to know that we have the same views regarding this issue
[Reply]