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Essay / Labor Migration in the Philippines: A Problem with Diverse Consequences
Labor migration in the Philippines has been a significant phenomenon for decades, with millions of Filipinos leaving their home countries to seeking better employment opportunities and economic stability abroad. In this research paper, four articles on labor migration and overseas work are analyzed, as this migratory trend has shaped the social, economic and cultural landscape of the Philippines, impacting both individuals who migrate and the society they leave behind. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayReview of Related Literature: Working Abroad and the Issue of Labor MigrationThe first article titled “ Shortage of construction workers linked to low wages and difficult access to certification' by Analou De Vera. The article states that the Philippines has many skilled and/or certified workers, but many of them end up emigrating soon after acquiring their training or certification. Among the four reasons cited by TUCP President Raymond Mendoza as to why skilled workers choose to leave the country is the “meager wages” that skilled workers receive in the country. They are looked down upon by other members of society and the importance of their work is not recognized by their fellow Filipinos. This is what pushes them to emigrate and work abroad, thus increasing the number of labor migrations. The current minimum wage is not enough to incentivize workers to stay and work locally, and many of them do not even receive the mandatory minimum wage, which is why they choose to work abroad where they can benefit from numerous advantages immediately after their training. The second article, “A year of big talk, band-aids and status quo for OFWs and families,” talks about Duterte’s promise to curb forced migration by ending worker contractualization. However, the Philippine economy is not doing well under Duterte's administration, and skilled workers continue to be forced to leave the country to find work. OFWs have little or no reason to return home and seek employment opportunities locally simply because it is difficult to do so. According to the article, the IBON Foundation estimates that "11.5 million Filipinos are unemployed or still unemployed due to poor job quality." Furthermore, DOLE Order 174, which was supposed to address the problems of workers, has proven to aggravate the current situation of unemployment and low-quality employment opportunities in the country. The article also suggests that the government encourage the return of skilled OFWs and prevention of labor migration by increasing the minimum wage of workers to Php. 750.00. It is stated that the OFWs would like to return to the country if they wish. Research titled “The Impact of a Skilled Labor Shortage in Construction” by Tyler Riddell studies labor shortages in the construction industry due to workers' fear of volatility of employment. industry and their desire for job security, as well as the reduced focus on trades and apprenticeship training. This shortage has led to increased safety concerns and increased construction costs. The solution to this problem is to reach out to the younger generation to spark their interest in the profession and invest in training programs. The shortage.