According to Philippine Migrants Society of Canada, since the early 1900's, successive waves of Filipinos have migrated to other countries in search of employment opportunities. Overseas migration can be traced way back to the 1920s under American colonial rule, when the Filipinos worked in pineapple plantations in Hawaii. The movement of agricultural workers later expanded to California, and to Washington and Alaska to work in fish canneries. Successive waves of Filipino migrants followed in the 1960s, which were largely professional workers. They were Filipino nurses, doctors, medical technicians who filled in skill gaps in the United States, Canada and other European countries. Then it continues until today
However, if you’re thinking that migrating is resulting to a better life then your wrong. In the semi – autographical novel of Carlos Bulosan, “America is in the heart” he narrates his experience when they migrated in the United States in 1930. He narrates the abuses and suffering he experienced in America. Bulosan properly shows the reader the animalistic treatment that was inflicted upon the Filipino’s on the west coast. Bulosan states, “At that time, there was merciless harassment of the Filipinos throughout the Pacific Coast”.
And as we can see, Filipino migrating abroad is increasing. Yes, creating profit for their selves but creating tremendous problems in our society. Because of the huge numbers of Filipino migrating abroad, our country is having a shortage of skill workers. And when they are in the other country, they don’t pay tax in our government. What does this mean? Our government lost tax revenues that resulting to lower budget for the betterment of our society. We see migrating abroad as the solution in our financial problems so many college students are taking up their courses that is high demand globally but not locally like nurses that resulting to surplus of unskilled workers and creating public service deterioration.
Leticia V. Catris, DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) officer in charge and deputy director, said an SEI study on the migration of S&T workers showed that the number of S&T workers who left rose annually from 9,877 in 1998 to 24,502 in 2009. We need more of our science and technology and research and development professionals to be here in our country to provide the lifeline of our research and development agenda that is why there are no developments in our country.
So what can we do to address these problems? The main reason why Filipino migrated in other country is employment opportunities. But how come they cannot employ themselves in the Philippines? Many Filipinos taking up courses that has high demand globally but not locally just for the purpose of working abroad, even though their courses is mismatched on their skills. Choosing the right career path will lead you to greener Pasteur in the Philippines. If you are thinking that there is no job in the Philippines, BELIEVE ME there is. In an article written by Jess Diaz in the Philippine Star, last year September 2011, indicates that there are 93,000 job openings. Why not apply in the country’s biggest employer, the government? Every town or city that you live in is needed engineers, business ads, accountants and many more! That local government is needed.
Imagine how dangerous the future will be if you DON’T do what I’m saying and still planning to work and live abroad. Based on the 2010-2011 Global competitiveness report of the World Economic Forum, the Philippines ranked 96 out of 139 nations in terms of availability of scientist and engineers. However, it is so sad that we are losing them. Imagine the Philippines without professionals. Who will build our building? Who will take care of us when we our sick? Who will invent things that can address the problem of society? And who will teach your child about chemistry and calculus? None because they are in other country, enjoying the luxury of better life while their kababayan is suffering in their own country. Are we letting this to happen? If this scenario will continue, the Philippine will be again known for being the sick man of Asia not because of Martial law but because of the selfishness of its own people.
Well, Migrating abroad totally not helping the poorest of the poor. If you think the remittances of Filipino working abroad help our economy? It’s not! Thus, such remittances do not reach the poorest of the poor. While you are enjoying your new house because of the remittances of your relatives abroad, all of your neighbors are being contented in a very small house, same structure, nothing change since they were young.
Not only that! Lack of professionals will lead to deterioration of the completely Philippine system. And we are already experiencing it today, the inaccuracy of PAGASA because of lack of meteorologist. And worst case scenario, we are in a pacific ring of fire and who professionals will warn us to this kind of disaster?
It is not yet over. We can do something about it. Philippines is already decentralizing. Job opportunities are not only available in Manila. There are a lot of Philippine economic zone in the Philippines like in CALABARZON… No need to spend, just make a right decisions in life. Choose career that will compliment your skill. Thus, it will lead you to competitiveness and employment. Don’t lose hope. With the new government, there will be more job opportunities in the future. Choose wisely! And you will see the greener Pasteur here, in the Philippines.
