Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178149481334720230804-naia-travellers-jc-1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Travelers arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on August 4, 2023. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — More than half of Filipinos are willing to live or work abroad if given an opportunity, with better job opportunities, higher wages, and better quality of life emerging as the top three reasons, a study found. </p><p>Think tank OCTA Research’s Q1 2026 Tugon ng Masa survey found that 57 percent of Filipinos are willing to live or work abroad if given an opportunity, 39 percent are not willing while four percent are undecided. </p><p>OCTA interviewed 1,200 Filipinos aged 18 and above from March 19 to 25. The survey has a ±3% margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.</p><p>OCTA said the result suggests that “migration remains a mainstream aspiration among Filipinos rather than a preference limited to specific sectors of society, and continues to occupy an important place in how many Filipinos envision economic advancement, career development, and long-term family well-being.”</p><p>The data also showed a uniform result by socioeconomic class, with 57 percent among Classes D and E and 56 percent among Class ABC.</p><p>Willingness to migrate was seen highest among those aged 18 to 24 at 81 percent and 25 to 34 at 75 percent.</p><p>OCTA said this shows that “younger Filipinos are evaluating their future prospects within a broader international context, where employment opportunities, career growth, and quality of life can be compared across countries.” </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/6/12/dmw-offers-4k-overseas-jobs-at-independence-day-fair-assures-workers-amid-hungary-policy-concerns-1528">DMW offers 4K overseas jobs at Independence Day fair, assures workers amid Hungary policy concerns</a></div><div><strong>ECONOMIC REASONS</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><p>The research body said better job opportunities, higher wages, and better quality of life emerged as the top three reasons for the respondents’ consideration of migration. Political instability and security concerns ranked significantly lower.</p><p>OCTA interpreted this as Filipinos viewing migration as a pathway to advancement, instead of an escape from hardship. </p><p>The pollster noted that the survey results exposed gaps in the Philippine labor market. </p><p>“Filipinos are not leaving because of instability or insecurity; they are leaving because the jobs available at home do not pay enough, offer sufficient career growth, or provide adequate work-life balance.”</p><p>It said migration pressure may be reduced by raising wage floors, expanding access to higher-quality employment, improving working conditions, and creating clear pathways for career advancement.</p><p>It also urged those concerned to reduce contractualization, expand social protections, and improve workplace conditions.</p><p>“The question is not why Filipinos leave — it is whether the country gives them a reason to stay. Whether jobs are available. Whether wages are fair. Whether careers are real. Whether the Philippines is a country worth staying in. </p><p>“Until those questions are answered, leaving will remain the unstated life plan of a majority of Filipinos,” OCTA said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/13/unemployment-underemployment-rates-rise-in-january-0914">Unemployment, underemployment rates rise in January</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4rUCJoya4KY?si=K_ELJGKUv6rSMQW5" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>“Filipinos are not leaving because of instability or insecurity; they are leaving because the jobs available at home do not pay enough, offer sufficient career growth, or provide adequate work-life balance.”</p>

“Filipinos are not leaving because of instability or insecurity; they are leaving because the jobs available at home do not pay enough, offer sufficient career growth, or provide adequate work-life balance.”

Most Filipinos willing to migrate abroad—study

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Most Filipinos willing to migrate abroad—study

Marilyn Cahatol,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 15, 2026 12:28 PM PHT

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Updated June 15, 2026 01:11 PM PHT

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Migration

abroad

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OCTA Research

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