The Philippine Poverty and Working Abroad
By Daddy Neil
@neildc (17239)
Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
March 30, 2011 2:36am CST
Hiya myLotters!
I grew-up with a poor family and sad to say, I am still poor.
But fortunately, I have a nice job in the government (though what I earn from this job is not even enough for our basic needs) so I can consider myself, richer than the poor.
At least, my family is not starving, we eat at least 3 times a day.
When I was a little boy, I remember uncles went working in KSA. At that time, this middle east country is the biggest hit in terms of Filipinos to work abroad.
For over 3 decades now, working abroad is but an "scape goat" for the poor Philippines. In almost every foreign nations, you could see or at least learn that there are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) working. Domestic helpers, Engineers, Welders, Caregivers, Doctors, Nurses, etc.
I still believe and disagree that when you are poor, you could easily work abroad. Of course, you have to learn from school which kind of work you should be dealing abroad.
You still need a lot of money from taking that education or course or training course, etc. to documents needed to apply, placement fees, plane tickets, etc.
Poor Filipinos are left in the Philippines. They are the ones you can frequently see in the streets begging for money, for food. They are those you can see raking trash in garbage bins or dumpsite in hope that they can find something to eat or something that they can sell in the junk shop. They are the ones who have no shelter and you could find them lying on a piece of carton/box or newspapers at night, at the sidewalk, park, and even under the bridge.
Personally, it never came to my thoughts of working abroad, and leaving my own family alone. Am I afraid with the negative impact this may result or am I just don't want to leave them? I do not know.
I can see how some successful OFW's return home with lots of money. They have their own houses, car, etc. They can send their children to expensive and exclusive schools. They live extravagantly now.
But still, many Filipinos who had not worked or not working abroad have better or great lives. They do not need to work abroad as they can find or they found their fortune, in the Philippines.
Do you still consider leaving your family and work abroad?
Do you agree that the Philippines' solution to poverty is foreign employment?
~~ NEIL™~~
5 people like this
17 responses
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
As of now, yeah, that's the best resort we, Filipinos, have. Working abroad can really a great help. A lot college students' main plan is to finish a degree and work abroad because they, too, believe it's the best solution to poverty here in our country. There are people who are very resourceful and hardworking just to survive poverty here but they're few. My brother even considers being a day trader as a side job because apparently you can also earn big there.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
I thought about working at call centers. But I guess it still needs extra money for training? Well this is one good reason to still earn good amount of money without living the country. Thanks to these foreign investors.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
Well, that's the problem about working under the government, you won't get as much. Why don't you try call centers? They pay a handsome amount of money.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
As far as I know, only Telus requires you to pay for your medical bills. You only have to choose from Php600.00 (Healthway) and Php450.00 (Forgot the name). The other companies, they pay for you. Try applying in one. The easiest to get in to based from experience is Aegis PeopleSupport in Makati.
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
hello neil,
This is true,name a country and you will find a Filipino in there,working in every part of this world.
Every Filipino contributes their idea everywhere (work/job/assignment/career)etc.
Poverty is here,for decades and yet our government wasn't able to resolved the unemployment rate,which is the main reason why most of our educated/professional people preferred to work abroad.
We can not blame them,they work hard for their education as well and spent money,and thu they can get a job/work as per degree,the problem is salary rate (we knew very well about this)
You are right,the poor remain here in our country,and remains poor (unless any of their next genre will pursue to have a better education,given the chance to work abroad or have a good job here in our country).
I am still considering abroad or working overseas as a greater opportunity for having or providing my family a better life.
One reality among us Filipinos,almost every Filipino who worked/lived abroad still coming back home once they retired/get's old.
They still prefer to spent their last days and die here in our country.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
Who would want to INVEST Business in a country that has been over due with corruption act and done by politicians and public servants over and over again
the problem is always been corruption. I think choosing the right leaders and doesn't go over emotions and wise up in voting can also play factor in the good development in the country.besides,we can't afford to be exporting our best when that foreign country is in peril
the problem is always been corruption. I think choosing the right leaders and doesn't go over emotions and wise up in voting can also play factor in the good development in the country.besides,we can't afford to be exporting our best when that foreign country is in peril@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
@jaiho:
name a country and you will find a Filipino in there,working in every part of this world - only means to say that Filipinos are really good in almost every work that we do and job that is available. of course, these foreign employers won't accept or allow us to work with their business, etc. if we are not good.
You are right,the poor remain here in our country,and remains poor - even if we say that working abroad is the solution to our poverty, still, the poorest of the poor could not make it as they lack everything.
@Letran:
Again, I would like to emphasis that even if we all agree that corruption is already and still exists in the government, not everyone in the public service is corrupt
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
yes,Filipinos are good in whatever career,not just good but world class,
singers,musician,artists,boxer,billiards, what more?
ok...corruption
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
I agree with you there. It is hard to leave your loved ones here in the Philippines and sacrifice working abroad. But if it will give them a better life why not. Opportunity here in the Philippines is really not good that is why we are left with a few skilled workers since most prefer to be abroad. I have a sister who works as nurse here for almost a decade long she was hired as nurse in one prestigious hospital here in Manila and got married here. She bore to 5 children so you can just imagine how hard it is for them to meet their ends here in Manila. When she was given the opportunity to work abroad she grabbed it and she was lucky that she was allowed to bring her family as well.
Now after five years of working in the States they were able to find a good house to rent where they can live comfortably enough. They can even afford to buy a car and they were even able to afford to buy two. Whereas, when they were here in the Philippines they could not do that. My older sister can actually work longer hours there since they are paid for that and by doing that they can earn a much bigger earnings there. She remains a nurse there with no promotions whatsoever but can afford what the managers here in the Philippines can afford to buy for their family.
You can just imagine why there are many Filipinos who are really aspiring to get out of the country because of that.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
Even if we discard these negative endings of our dear countrymen and say that we will succeed, it still needs money to be educated, to process the documents, passport, visas, plane tickets. Where the poorer people could not even afford to have 3 meals a day, how can they think about going abroad and work there?
1 person likes this
@mylesnarvaez (5451)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
sadly, most of our skilled workers and even the cream of the crop are seeking greener pastures beyond our shores, where more financial opportunities are abound. and yes, many grew up dreaming of going abroad to find jobs with greater compensations, which in their mind, equate to a better life and a better future for their family.
like you, i grew up in a poor family. we got by thru public schools and highschool & university scholarships. we worked long hours even at an early age and it wasn't easy. we didn't have any luxuries, coz even the basics were hard to cover.
i never dreamed of working abroad, but i did dream of traveling to other countries. i was given an opportunity to visit 7 asian countries thru my work and family vacations, and it was nice. if given a great opportunity to work abroad, i'd give it a great consideration... but not if it meant leaving my family behind (example: spouse and children).
success, i believe can be made here in our homeland. sure, going abroad is an easy ticket, but unfortunately it also comes with a price tag. many uninformed hopefuls pay $3,000-5,000 of processing fees and tickets just to work abroad. for me, it's kinda impractical. especially when i learn how much their monthly pay is.
i was able to work a few months outside the country but i didn't pay an enormous sum to get there. many legitimate companies offer job positions without employees having to spend more than the working visa fees or passport processing.
working abroad is not a 100% guarantee of success or a better life... and definitely not the country's only solution to poverty. there are many factors but it has to start from our mindset. one of the goals in poverty alleviation is for people to become part of the solution and not the problem.
@mylesnarvaez (5451)
• Philippines
31 Mar 11
Hi neil!
You’re a family guy. It would be difficult for you to be away from your family… and for them too. It’s gonna be a big trade-off if ever.
*It comes with a price tag--- unfortunately, yes. I’ve heard stories from fellow passengers on the plane, some of the nightmares of the unsuccessful ones. One’s story is her family in the cordilleras sold their farm animals to pay for her fees going abroad. But once there, she was deported for lack of qualifications and no ready-employer to accept her. She went home with no money, hungry and a bad experience to relive before she can recover.
It pains me to see people like this. It’s alright to dream. But not if it would cost a future. However, there’s so much success for more Filipinos who worked abroad that sadly, unsuccessful ones remain stories unheard. For most of them, it’s a gamble.
*Fly now pay later--- nope. Many job positions can be outsourced by local companies involved in international projects. International companies with local partner institutions are also into it. Short term projects can be a period of a few months while a longer term project is at least 1 year. Sometimes they get their best men to get training abroad to broaden management skills and proficiency in new systems and technology. Manufacturing companies do that also. Even private employers seek trustworthy employees thru referrals from fellow Filipinos already working abroad. This allows passport and visa processing costs to be covered and also the airfare.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
31 Mar 11
Hiya myles!
That would really be so sad for someone who have to sacrifice their last and only source of living, farm animals. I even heard someone who actually sold the part of their land farm.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
Hiya myles!
It is also a reconsideration for me to work abroad if I could bring the whole family with me. Being away from them for just a few days even just within the country makes me sick so that would be so hard for me working abroad, alone and for a long time.
success, i believe can be made here in our homeland. sure, going abroad is an easy ticket, but unfortunately it also comes with a price tag - this is exactly what I mean. So how come one could think about working abroad if he is poor, much more with nothing but himself?
many legitimate companies offer job positions without employees having to spend more than the working visa fees or passport processing. - are these companies the ones offering jobs like "fly now pay later"?
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
31 Mar 11
My family does not come from the Philippines but was poor enough to emigrate from Italy to Australia. I cannot even imagine how desperate my parents must have been to have made such a decision because we had no one here; we came here and did not know a soul. Personally I am happy my parents made the decision to move to Australia because, as an adult, I can see how much better off my life is here compared to the ‘old country’. Having said that I cannot say that moving away is the answer for everybody especially if it entails the father travelling alone while leaving his family behind. My father decided that if we couldn’t all go together nobody would go because time with your loved ones is more precious than any amount of cash and what you miss out, you can ever get back.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
31 Mar 11
Hiya paula!
Seems that we have the same principle as your father.
If it is only me that will go, I don't think I will survive the sickness.
If the opportunity comes, I will only grab it when I can bring the whole family.
time with your loved ones is more precious than any amount of cash and what you miss out, you can ever get back.
1 person likes this
@ckyera (17331)
• Philippines
31 Mar 11
hi neil!
I think our fellow Filipinos go abroad for greener pasture, back then, I also think of going abroad to work, actually friends are inviting me to join them while they are applying, now they are already there, having a better life, while me? still here and having a good life as well! maybe not materially but at least I am with my family.
Working abroad has been a great help for me and my family back then, because if my grandmom didn't work abroad I don't know if I will be able to finish college with my father's earnings from being a factory worker. Maybe we can live but was not able to pay for other things like schooling. I remember that even if my grandmom is already helping us, there are still time that we do struggle.
There are really people who are also like you neil, just like my friend here, there are already good opportunities for him to work abroad but he refused to, for a reason that he don't like to leave his family and he is already contented with what they have here, they are not rich, sometimes they also suffer but with his family on his side, everything turns good.
I believe that there are still great opportunities here, that we can prosper even without working abroad. There are already a lot around us who has been successful with "sipag at tiyaga" (not related to any politician...hehe)
Working abroad has been a great help for me and my family back then, because if my grandmom didn't work abroad I don't know if I will be able to finish college with my father's earnings from being a factory worker. Maybe we can live but was not able to pay for other things like schooling. I remember that even if my grandmom is already helping us, there are still time that we do struggle.
There are really people who are also like you neil, just like my friend here, there are already good opportunities for him to work abroad but he refused to, for a reason that he don't like to leave his family and he is already contented with what they have here, they are not rich, sometimes they also suffer but with his family on his side, everything turns good.
I believe that there are still great opportunities here, that we can prosper even without working abroad. There are already a lot around us who has been successful with "sipag at tiyaga" (not related to any politician...hehe)@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
31 Mar 11
Hiya ckyera!
You did not joined your friends to work abroad but I guess you have no regrets, right?
Relatives do help us, but it's not always good to ask them for help. I mean, we also have some relatives abroad and are doing very great. But of course, they are there for themselves and their families.
Yes I believe and agrees with you, there are still great opportunities here and we can still make big without having to leave the family.
Besides, though we have to struggle most of the time, we have a happy family and the best thing is, we are all in good health. 
@ckyera (17331)
• Philippines
31 Mar 11
well actually sometimes i feel something like , wow! looks like they are having a really great time there especially when they are posting their pictures in FB. haha but as I look in my life, I can say that I don't regret anything, because even if I can't live as luxurious as they are, still I can live decently, was able to eat what I want and was able to buy what I need. and I was able to do all those with my husband by my side...hehe unlike them that they can't share those experiences that they have with their family but on pictures only...hmmm
Yeah, yeah, actually we have lots of relatives working abroad but aside from my grandmom, we don't ask anything from them nor they give anything to us except for some soaps and chocolates when they get home...haha
True, but we can't also blame them for going abroad to work and get a better life for their family, sometimes we really have to take some risk to find our fate.
yeah, and that's more important i think, for each family member to stay healthy and away from any harm and sickness...
True, but we can't also blame them for going abroad to work and get a better life for their family, sometimes we really have to take some risk to find our fate.
yeah, and that's more important i think, for each family member to stay healthy and away from any harm and sickness...
@mkchaves (530)
• Canada
30 Mar 11
Hi Neil. I am working abroad for a better future. It's sad that I left my family but they're one of the reasons why I am in a foreign land. If only the Philippines has better opportunities to offer to the newly grads, it won't be as easy to leave. Not only that, the minimum wage have not changed for ages, 280-300/day can't and will not help Filipinos sustain day to day living especially now that everything has increased. I miss my family and sacrificing for them is going to be worth it.
Working abroad it not as easy as many think, you're in a new country and you don't know anything about it. Lucky for us Filipinos we can easily adapt. But, working in a foreign land needs you to be tough, strong and a lot of perseverance and motivation.
I feel sorry for the Filipinos who wants to work abroad to help their families have a better life but they can't because opportunities are too slim for them and that competition is stiff.
The government should act upon the poverty issues in the Philippines. They should address the corruption, health conditions, education as well.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
31 Mar 11
Hiya mkchaves!
I viewed your profile and found out that you are from Canada. Does it mean that it's in Canada you are working? That's a good place to be working in and they pay better than other employers elsewhere.
That's one big reason I also do not think about working abroad, the homesickness. I probably could not make it, I cannot live alone though.
And that is another reason, I don't have enough money and it will be difficult for me and my family to live drowning with debts. If ever I decide to, I don't know where I will get money for the expenses like passport, visa application, plane ticket, etc.
I hope, the government could find the best solution, not just for a short term but for a long term solution to our problems. They should really start with corruption.
@jazel_juan (15746)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
That is the resort that we see right now but in the long run, we need something better, make our society better. It is such a risk to go and work overseas, the emotional burden is there. Me and huby is really having a hard time but we try our best to be able to provide, we both agreed that as long as we can provide for our family no one will resort to working overseas.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
We are both in the same track jazel. That is something I hope most of us could put in mind. As long as we can provide for our family, I don't think there is a reason to work abroad.
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
1 Jun 11
For me never in my mind to go abroad and look money. My principles in life is that money is here no need to go far away to find it.
There are many consequences for family man or woman to abroad. Most of the spouse working abroad has a broken home and children did not raise well due to lack of love and affection of their own Mother or Father.
They are not guide well. Many domestic helper abroad cheated their husband and those husband abroad cheated their wives here in the Philippines. Their reason is no one will see what they are doing there...
But leaving here is an option for them to make a living for their family. How if they have family also their that the other one left here don't about? It's a painful situation right. Instead looking for a good thing for the family...they are going their to cheat their spouse...
If we are working here. We can make a happy family life...but the question is how. If we can't find a good jobs anything here?
Well, there is a remedy. Just put a little business that spouse help each other to grow it. Because the secret to be successful in life is the love and support that carry both the husband and wife...
@SimpleBB (1329)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
Just like you, I've been from an average family though I can remember during our younger years that we experienced scarcity to the extent that we skip a meal some times. But you are right, I still not in favor of leaving the country for the sake of having a good fortune. In our family, I was just the one who was able to got a degree thru self supporting and honestly I had sacrificed lot of things. I believed that if we just have determination to achieve our target goal coupled with initiative and perseverance, we could have it without leaving the family. The success of other people is not certain that it will also our fortune. Aiming for more money for the family has no insurance if it will be benefited the family. We just have to endure and live what we have and avoid luxiries, just be patient, determined and be contented for what was provided to us for as long as we're not doing against good values, learned to accept and be satisfied of what we have and time will surely come that we could have what we want. IMportant now is that we have peace of mind and quality time with our family. That's true happiness for me. This is just my opinion and my views in life. I have nothing against those people who aims for better for they're doing it for the benefit of their families. No parent wants to see their children in poverty. That's the reality, we have our own lives to live by. Just hope we could cope up and survive from the hardships of life. Good luck and Happy mylotting.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
31 Mar 11
I agree with you and it's nice to hear you value your family more than luxuries.
The importance of having a happy family is better than being rich in money.
Peace of mind and quality time with our family.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
This is a very broad topic, Neil. I'll just focus on my own personal experience and in the small world I belong to. Like you, I grew up in a family of non-rich but luckily for us (me and my 2 siblings) our parents can provide us with all our basic needs and even sent us to one of the most reputable universities in major cities.
However, lady luck wasn't always on our side. In short, I can not consider myself as rich (financially) and my sister has to work abroad to give herself and her son a better future.She is working there for almost 4 years now yet her situation doesn't change at all. Her future as well as her son is still a blur...
She doesn't have to leave the country but she is running away from something. Not from poverty but from personal and domestic issues. She could have made her life better here but she chose to leave.
So, for me, going abroad is not the solution to poverty. It is how the way you manage your little resources and take advantage of the opportunity to earn here being equipped with good education and a little luck and faith to God.
but of course, let us not take aside the fact that the value of what we earn abroad could be doubled or even tripled once they are converted to Php. Maybe, to others it is a way out of poverty. But. for me, it is not. And, I would not want to leave my family because of monetary reason. If ever I'll leave, it is of different reason.
Have a good eveing, Neil.
Have a good eveing, Neil.@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
Hiya Jo!
You could be right or you could be wrong. I too could be right or wrong. And yes, the answer lies on whether they will succeed working overseas. But we cannot put aside the fact not only the poor ones but even the ones who are already doing great here plans or are already working abroad.
We can be recalled by some professionals. Nurses turned into caregivers. Doctors turned into nurses. And many others, already working abroad. And in some ways, their lives get better.
@allknowing (136369)
• India
30 Mar 11
Here in India there is almost an exodus. Scores of them leave the shores seeking greener pastures in the US, The Middle East, Australia, UK and such developed countries. I cannot say these are poverty stricken but are in search of the El Dorado!
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
I agree with you to this. Not only in the areas you mentioned, but even in the Philippines, you can find Indian nationals and they are doing well.
@nj_1022 (251)
•
31 Mar 11
I hope that every Filipino be given an opportunity so as not to work abroad.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
31 Mar 11
I also hope so, equal rights and opportunity to work decently at our homeland.
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
31 Mar 11
Hello neil. Yes it is true, going abroad is the choice of most of our kababayans just to escape the very minimum salary that our own country gives us. for me, I still consider going abroad to earn for my family. Pretty income is there and i also have a chance to bring my family there. I would have chosen to stay if the salary is good but then the reality is that it can never measure up to the benefits and salary of other countries.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
31 Mar 11
I still do not set aside for me to work abroad.
But only if I can bring my family with me.
Sounds impossible but that is the only reason I have now for not leaving.
I know that will be for them, but leaving them for even a few days make me sick.
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
7 Apr 11
Hello my friend neildc Ji,
Well, One who looks down for comparison will always be satisfied person. I do not think by going abroad, one can get satisfaction in one's liofe. Our side, there is a great sayiong by Sant kabir, whose lieral meening I am trying to bring out from folowing :-
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071103093200AADYcy0
[b]"Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Gau-Dhan, Gaj-Dhan, Gopi-Dhan, Ratan-Dhan-Khan, Jahan Avey Santosh-Dhan Sab Dhan Dhool Saman
The meaning: "Gau-Dhan" Rich with lots of livestock
"gau=Cow"
Gaj=Elephant = Rich with with lots of Elephants
Gopi=Girl, wife in this doha (many wives)
Ratan=prescious stones or diamonds, emeralds
Khan= a mine (Ratan Dhan Khan =Diamond mine)
Santosh = Satisfaction
Dhool = Dust
Saman = Similar to
The Doha says Even if some one possesses wealth of many live stock, (meaning a rich farmer) or even if he would possess wealth by having lots of Elephants (a great warrior)or many wives ( as a king would have) But only if he has the virtue of satisfaction He is the reachest man on earth and all the rest is like dust(of no value)"[/b]
Thanks.
May God bless You and have a great time.
@Ladyslipper (1327)
• Philippines
9 May 11
Hi Neildc - I have not thought of ever working abroad and leaving my family. However, I do want to go and see the other parts of the world only for a vacation. Regarding your question on whether I think foreign employment is the solution to poverty my answer is NO. Why? The answer is right there in your discussion.
Usually, the people who can afford to work abroad are not really the people you can consider as poor. That's the reason they have the means to go outside the country and work there. I have worked as an NGO volunteer before. I was able to go to the most remote areas in the Philippines and saw how thousands of poor Filipino people suffer from poverty everyday. I was also able to immerse with the poor people living in slum areas. They can't even eat once a day. Being an NGO volunteer helped me realize and see things differently. Poverty issue is something that can't be resolved by foreign employment. To resolve poverty we can't just do it by applying a band- aid approach. By doing so you only cover up the problem and does not resolve it. The resolution is just temporary but the disease remains. What we need is a permanent fix. The root of poverty must be addressed so we can eradicate it permanently.
