Have you ever heard of the “Brain Drain?” If you have been connected with the Philippines for any appreciable amount of time, you probably have heard the term.
For those who don’t know what the term means, generally “Brain Drain” is the term used for the exodus of smart and talented people from the Philippines. You’ve heard of OFW’s (Overseas Filipino Workers), right? Currently there are nearly 12 million Filipinos working in other parts of the world. Naturally, it is the most talented, most educated, and most ambitious of Filipinos who end up working overseas.
Currently, one of the most in demand categories of Filipino workers are nurses. Not only are Filipinos going to nursing school in record numbers, but doctors are even abandoning their profession to be re-trained as nurses and going overseas. You read it correctly, medical doctors, surgeons and such, are shifting into nursing so that they can go work abroad! Some of these doctors will retrain when they get overseas in order so shift back into being a doctor, but not all.
Generally, when you take the most educated people out of society and move them elsewhere, the most ambitious, and the most productive, what is left behind. Well, I am not here to speak badly about the Philippines, but the truth is that when these highly skilled people all tend to leave the country, what is left is of a lower value than what should be here. In other words, if those 11 to 12 Million Filipinos where still here in the Philippines, imagine the advances they could be bringing to society! Imagine how many people those Doctors could have treated, even saved if they had still been here! I don’t blame those who left, though, because there are more opportunities for them by going abroad.
It makes me wonder, though, how can the Philippines advance as a society when it is sending it’s best and brightest minds to go help other countries rather than it’s own? President Arroyo is on a campaign with the stated goal of making the Philippines a “First World nation by 2020.” Can it happen when the country’s brightest individuals are in Saudi Arabia involved in the construction trade? The best of the engineers are working for companies in the USA? The best medical professionals are caregivers in Canada? How does this massive migration benefit the Philippines in terms of becoming a First World nation? Frankly, it doesn’t. Oh sure, there is the short term benefit of those workers sending money back to their families here, but in the long term even that is not helpful for the nation.
Did you realize that there are negative impacts of these overseas workers leaving? Many will tell you that Philippine culture and Family values in the country have been detrimentally effected in the past generation due to this migration out of the country. Families are broken up due to this. Kids go years without seeing their fathers, because “Papa is working in Saudi,” or “Mama is a maid in Singapore.” The loss of these family connections is leading to a big change in family values here. Kids are left alone to fend for themselves, much like it is in the USA when both Mom and Dad work. This is leading to delinquency among teens. While the wife is working in Hong Kong, the husband has taken up a relationship with some other woman. It’s common, very common. And, it’s not good for the Filipino family, or for the country in general.
The brain drain. How can the Philippines live without those brains being here helping their own country succeed and prosper? Of course, when there is no opportunity, if you are talented and smart enough to do so, you have no choice but to go out and find other opportunities that will help you personally prosper!
Bob, you have covered all the positive and negative aspects of this subject and for the individual families it is difficult to have mum or dad away and to carry on in the same family group as if there was no difference, impossible i would say.
However we can't blame individuals where they can see that rewards for them will in the long term give them better prospects for them and their futures.
I met a taxi driver in Dubai, he was indian who told me that his last 20 years was spent working in Dubai sending money home for his children etc and he saw them for 1 month every year and he told me, he considered his last 20 years to be 20 months of life, very sad actually, he had no choice and this is what it seems like to me here for many Filipinos.
Its not good for the country i agree with you Bob but it is a prop for the economy to have so much cash re-patriated from overseas, i think the Philippines would be in a bad way without this support, both from the perspective of individuals who are supported from overseas and also for the couties economy.
Bob,
I do agree with most of what you have said concerning Brain Drain, except your statement "…what is left is of a lower value than what should be here."
Many talented people are working overseas but I know of many very skilled and talented professionals who have chosen to remain in the Philippines.
My brother-in-law is a very fine medical doctor and has been offered several positions overseas. He has chosen to remain at home servicing his compatriots. He does go overseas with Doctors Without Borders for charity missions, but always returns to his practice at home.
I also have a very successful and talented sister-in-law who is a lawyer with her own law firm. She also has chosen to remain in the Philippines.
I do agree the Philippines would be better off if OFW were given the opportunity to remain in country, but I also believe there are some of the best of the best who do choose to remain at home.
Just my thoughts.
Hi rick b – I agree that for the short term, the remittances that are sent into the Philippines are really needed (did you know that they are among the biggest part of the GDP of the Philippines?). However, for the long term, it is disastrous in my opinion.
Hi LM – I think I did a poor job on wording on that one statement. I did not mean that in terms of individuals, but rather in terms of the workforce as a whole. When you take out 11 million to 12 million of the best and brightest, what is left (as a whole) can't help but suffer. In other words, there are still a lot of smart and talented individuals, but it would be better for the country if there were more! Sorry if I was a poor wordsmith on that particular statement. I totally agree with what you are saying – there are many talented and intelligent people here.
Bob,
I have recently gotten a job with a full service Architectural, engineering and design build firm here in Davao. All the employees except me 😥 are graduates of their field. We work on Outsourcing and projects here in Davao. They are all very qualified and ranked high in there licensing boards.
As I speak to them, I have asked many if they plan or want to work abroad and they all have told me that they want to stay in the Philippines and help build a better country (in both senses of the word)
It is refreshing to hear that from them.
Hi Bruce – It is refreshing to hear that they want to stay here in their country and help puch the country ahead. In my experience of talking with other professionals, that is not usually the case. 🙁
Hi Bob,
You ask, "Generally, when you take the most educated people out of society and move them elsewhere, the most ambitious, and the most productive, what is left behind."
Easy one: Politicians! 😆
I think one aspect that has not been brought up is that with ofw's it allows the government to continue to be inept. For some of the brightest people who would be middle class are now out of the country and not demanding better governance. Then these ofw's send money to their family and thay now have a better life then before. In the process you have one worker who has a better paying job (does not need a job in RP) and who supports family members who now have a better life and are not pressing for needed changes to improve the country. They become as concerned with the economy where their relatives are working as they do about the Philippines.
That is why GMA wanted to create 1 million oversea jobs for Filipinos and even once vice president Noli De Castro commented how good the economy was by talking about all the oversea jobs available for Filipinos.
Bob, I think you are exactly right when you say that some of the brightest people leave the country and it has left a void in the workplace. Whether it is nurses or even welders, accountants and others and it will hurt the economy in the future because many of these people could a engine for growth down the line but now are absent for this potential.
Great piece Bob and some real food for though here for sure…I just read where soon the poulation in the Philipines is outgrowing fish catch in the Philipine shttp://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=3215and so sounds like to me that a lot of what you said here is right on…kinda sad that the Goverment there can not see the long term and short term and the inbetween..of what really needs to be done there.
I read some place where the aprox population of the Philipines is around 90 million now and so if 12 million as per your write up here are going out of the country to work…that is over 10% of the current population…kinda sad..yet as others have commented here you can not blame the person wanting to better their self..so looks like a real problem is in store among others for the Phillipines…
Lets see…in the USA we have about 300 million people…….wonder what it would be like here if………….10% of the population or lets say 30 million workers left the country to work some place else…………wow..be a disaster for sure…….so really enjoyed reading your words here and the comments from the other readers…lots of things for a person to think of …I think.
Hi Paul – Ha ha… I like that response! 😆
Hi Neil – Thanks for your comment. It's really a shame when families have to be broken up just to keep food on the table. I hope that in future generations good work can be offered right here in the Philippines!
Hi Dan – Thank you also. In addition to the OFW/Brain Drain crisis, the food crisis is a serious potential problem here in the Philippines! You hit the nail on the head when talking about the ability to catch enough fish. I have been doing a lot of reading about food shortages, not just rice either! I think we are in for some trying times.
I have another perspective on this topic, It is true that 10% of Filipinos do work overseas but I believe a great majority are not professionals. Lots of maids, seamen, and construction workers are employed overseas. The people who stay and have jobs are the cream of the crop of all local college graduates. The local/multinational companies have their pick of graduates. So the idea that all OFWs are the best and brightest is only partly true. Just my opinion.
Interesting subject and perspectives, but I am curious? What will it take to improve the availabiltiy of jobs in RP? Is the government so inept that they cannot plan for rice shortages or create legitimate public works projects to benefit then entire country/society. Is corruption so permeated that it is a snake eating its own tail? All of the above, none of the above? I have been considering retiring to RP and have done a lot of reading/research and find many extreme problems in the governace and society as a whole. Some feed back please, your opinions. I am leary at this point, the more I research the more I digress. Seems like a pretty unstable place with lots of potential turmoil in the future rather than the paradise it used to be? ❓
"Did you realize that there are negative impacts of these overseas workers leaving? Many will tell you that Philippine culture and Family values in the country have been detrimentally effected in the past generation due to this migration out of the country. Families are broken up due to this. Kids go years without seeing their fathers, because “Papa is working in Saudi,” or “Mama is a maid in Singapore.” The loss of these family connections is leading to a big change in family values here. Kids are left alone to fend for themselves, much like it is in the USA when both Mom and Dad work. This is leading to delinquency among teens. While the wife is working in Hong Kong, the husband has taken up a relationship with some other woman. It’s common, very common. And, it’s not good for the Filipino family, or for the country in general."
Totally agree on the above.
– I am a product of a broken family, my mother left us when i was still 12yrs old to work in Abu Dhabi. Their relationship with my father ruined and ended up in separation.
-I am here because I need to work for our future. But to be honest, I love Philippines, some of my friend decided to migrate in Canada, UK or US. But me & husband decided that we have to live in the Philippines.
And you know Bob, what I've learn working here (the positive side) I will apply it even if I am back in the Philippines, and I hope all OFWs will do the same.
There was an email about OFW that if they are in another country, they follow the rules heartily. But when they were still in Phils, they dont (some)……so I think its a big challenge to all OFW, to be better when they come back to Phils.
Thanks! have a nice day!
Hi Robert Dalbec – When maid go abroad, they are the best maids. When construction workers leave the country, the best of them go. No matter the level of jobs of these people, a society cannot prosper when the best skilled of the various professions are leaving.
Steve – Please understand that I live here in the Philippines. I am guest here, not a citizen of the country. If I start saying a bunch of bad things about the government and such, there would be a good chance that I would be invited to leave the country. They can revoke my visa anytime. It is not my place to judge the government, and those kind of things. I hope that you can look at what I have said here and draw your own answers for that, because I cannot and should not speak out in those terms. That being said, I want you to know that I love living here, and I don't care to leave. Also let me say that the Philippines has never been paradise. There is no paradise here on earth.
Hi Marygrace – thanks for sharing your opinion. I appreciate your feedback.
The Philippines could be a leading first world economy but chooses not to be as evidenced by it's archaic property and citizenship laws and it's treatment of expats into the country.
Post # !4 is aboslutely correct.
The soultion to this problem is job creation inside the Philippines.
I think the biggest problem against job creation is the constitution. It's not foreign-investor friendly. Companies need to be majority owned by Filipinos. This is to perpetuate the wealth of the rich few. They are the only ones who can raise enough funds to partner with a foreign investor. Yet, they don't have enough money to put up enough businesses with foreign investors to provide enough jobs…inside the Philippines. This is the bottle neck for foreign companies to come in to the country.
Another property rights problem is hanging on for too long in the concept of agararian reform. One farmer can only owned five hectares of land. A productive farmer is limited in his expansion plans. A nonproductive farmer on the other hand is sitting on a nonproductive land. Even communist China is moving away from this stupid concept.
Another one is that most of country's wealth is tied in real estate and yet the real estate business is not developed. Land titles are hard to get. Most lands are not titled. Those that are titled still have titles with the heading: "Certificado Original de Titulo".
Another one is the capital markets. The stock market is poorly developed and run by the government. It should be privatized…it's the only way to make it vibrant and attract foreign money.
Another one is that the justice courts have all the power in adjudicatiing business disputes. This is another bottleneck. Special regulating bodies manned by people with business background is the way to go.
Everbody gets the idea. The country needs millions of jobs inside the Philippines. It needs thousands of companies with Billion$ to get into the country.
Gloria Arroyo knows this…..she got too compromised though that she gave up in the fight to change the constitution….and so it goes.
Hi James – I couldn't agree with you more!
Hi Dr. Long – You are right on track there. Lots of problems, few get addressed at all!
Bob: my fiance and I finally moved last week to Manila. She was an OFW for 23 years in Kuwait, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.she started as a house maid, became a liaison with the RP Embassy Labor Office, and ended up as an accountant. Over those 23 years, she experienced abuse, disrespect as a human being, poor wages, starvation diet at times, and hardships she would never have thought of when she was a naïve young girl. What kept her going was an overwhelming responsibility to provide her family a better life. She sacrificed marriage, having children, and 2 weeks home every 2 years. her desire now is to make a business in the province that can sustain her family for years to come and create jobs in the town. I know she will be successful, but it will be challenging. We have financing and a business plan. Just need to put it in motion. The millions of OFWs just want the same. Her brother is based in Abu Dhabi and just wants to see his son (4 yrs old)… Nothing more. We are trying to make it possible for him to return. As a side note, I work in the marine industry and maritime and computer engineers are in such demand overseas that the shipyards are desperate in places like Cebu. Despite offering higher wages, the lure of working overseas is strong, whether entirely based in reality over the long term. My business takes me to India frequently and the same situation is occurring there… Dubai and other traditional locatios are not nearly as attractive anymore.
Hi John Miele – Glad to hear that you made it to Manila! I hope that all of your plans turn out even better than you are hoping for!
I have to say, I pretty much agree with everything you had to say. Being an OFW is a tough life!
Bob… Thank you for your best wishes. The move was exhausting and exciting. Funny, since Becky was gone so long and since she lived in Abulug, rather than Manila, she is facing almost as much adjustment as I am, perhaps even more since I spend so much time in developing countries. That is something we did not expect, since "home" was always the Philippines to her. In any event, we are facing the normal fights with utilities, deliveries, etc. Things will settle down a bit once our ocean freight arrives and it feels more like home.
I have not read all the comments on this collumn,therefore My comment might be the same as others. Try to look at it the other way around. I live in Denmark, and we are facing the same problem, not enough nurses and doctors, so we allow many to come and work here, mostly people comming from eastern europe. Those countries are themselves in great demand of those people, and we have to face that they come to our country, mainly because of a better salary, not all the time because they cannot get a job in there own place. These people have , in many cases, to abandonne the family, not seeing their children grow up.
If the countries that recieve these people would realize what they are doing and not allowing so many to come it would halt the brain drain and most likely force countries like RP to make jobs and opportunities for many more. All the people that work abroad and send back money to their family, is a sleeping pillow to any government and to those who recieve
Excellent post Bob! One point I think you may have missed. Many OFWs eventually return home. They bring with them the knowledge of what they experienced overseas. This is a powerful force for change. They are no longer content with the status quo. This force may eventually backfire on corrupt politicians. These people have greater financial resources to call upon. The change won't be rapid but it will be like the immovable object.
Hello,
I just happened to come across this website searching for information about Davao the other day. Great that you put this together Bob!
Steve, I've been thinking about moving to the Philippines too, specifically Davao, but I go back and forth when I read things. I have a feeling you're not Filipino….I am.
I'm a product of a family where my dad always worked overseas where we would see him about 1 month every year. Eventually we all moved to the US through the help of the company he worked for even though he was still being based in countries outside the US.
I just wanted to share the perspective of someone who's lived through what some of you have described above…
First of all, my father attended Harvard University and although I didn't attend Harvard, I have an MBA and a senior management position with a large global company, so neither I nor anyone in my family have experienced low wages, abuse, etc., because of jobs. However, personally, no amount of money is worth the sacrifice of being away from family like our family has. Plus, having moved around the world and being away from the Philippines for so long has taken away my sense of belonging and having a place called home. When I think back, I would've preferred to have lived in the Philippines my whole life and had our family together than to have the material things that I still have, but not my dad — he passed away a few years ago.
Problem now is that even though I'm considering moving back to the Philippines, I'm discouraged by family in the Philippines who tell me about the crime, inconveniences, rising prices, difficulty with dealing with the people – not showing up for appointments, not paying debt, laziness, etc. I'm considering opening up a business/company if I move to the Philippines, but what am I supposed to think with the stories of bribery, theft by employees, and other horror stories about having a business there? I'm sure that others that want to invest in the Philippines have heard these same stories and can easily decide to invest elsewhere.
I have very little hope that things will change in the Philippines — ie. more jobs, less crime, less OFWs, etc. — because there is just too much corruption and the government will only turn its cheek because it not only benefits from the corruption but also causes and drives it. If I'm wrong, which I doubt I am, at least it is proof of what Filipinos outside the country think of the Philippines. So why go back? I can consider it because I'm not married and do not have children so it is easy for me to go there and easily leave if things don't work out (I'm a US citizen). But for others with family and have to give up or invest quite a bit to move to the Philippines, it doesn't sound too appealing.
And then there's the fear from what happened to Ninoy Aquino. Someone who was devoted to helping the Philippines and the Filipinos but gets shot because of a government conspiracy. Now, let's see…all those who truly want to make an impact to improving the Philippines, please raise your hand? Oh, and make sure you're wearing your bullet proof vest.
I know I sound very negative. It's because today I don't like the Philippines too much. Tomorrow I'll probably read an article about the hardship of the poor and will want to move there to help them.
Having said that, I've enjoyed reading the articles on this website because I get the good and the bad from people who have moved to the Philippines.
Ok…enough of my lengthy post. 🙂
David S — In a normal society, this makes sense and I wish it was the case. But the only thing I can think of is that the government will do whatever it needs to, even murder if necessary, to make sure that nobody outside its 'circle' gets too powerful and takes away its money. And what I mean about the government's money is really the pockets of those in government. Again, I could be wrong, but even on days that I 'like' the Philippines, I'll still believe that to be true as well as many other Filipinos do.
Hi John Miele – Every case that I know of where a westerner and his Filipina wife moved back to the Philippines – the move is much harder on the Filipina than the foreigner. I find that adjusting back to living in the Philippines is extremely difficult for a Filipina.
Hi Preben – Very true here also! For many of these people, jobs are available here, but working conditions are poor, salary is very low, etc. So, they choose to go abroad where they can earn more, etc. I can't blame them for going abroad, if I were in their position I would too. For me, the blame is on the system here. Improvement needs to happen in the Philippines to keep more people here, working and serving their own country.
Hi David S – Oh boy… now after reading your comment, I think I need to write another column about returning OFW's! I have been told by many OFW's who returned home that they feel they are treated poorly by the government when they come back. Discriminated against, etc. Some have told me that they had been treated like foreigners in their own country. It is a whole different problem, but a problem indeed.
Hi Rina – Thanks for leaving your comment, and for visiting my site. Your comment is really a classic example of what can happen in families that are separated, very mobile, etc. I also grew up in a family that moved all over the world for different employment opportunities, etc. Like you, I have a hard time feeling a sense of "home," it's hard for me to pinpoint where my home is. Today, I consider the Philippines as my home.
I also understand your feeling of conflict. Hating the Philippines today, loving it tomorrow. I think that this is to be expected from somebody in your position.
Yes, there are lots of bad things said about the Philippines. Many are true too. However, even with all the bad, I find the Philippines a place that I love. There is plenty of good to go along with the bad. And… that is a good thing!
Good luck to you, Rina! Come back and join in on the site more often, you are most welcomed.
Hi Bob,Ive always been an eternal optimist,but 1st world nation by 2020,no chance,maybe 2050.Singapore took 20yrs to become 1st world country,but they had excellent stable govt,most citizens stayed at home,and they had a different mindset to the average filipino.Phils needs to get the population boom under control.The reason many are OFW,s is that there are to many people chasing to few jobs,as the population fastly increases,this can only get worse.I am sure many would prefer to stay in Phils if they could get regular work equal to their qualifications.As mentioned earlier,much more overseas investment is needed.Just imagine the scenario if all OFW,s returned home at once,jobs would be even scarcer,food would be even scarcer and more expensive.The country needs to get the basic infrastructure right before it can progress,becoming self sufficient in staple foods would be a good start.Regarding nurses,it appears many just choose nursing as a way to work abroad,and are not passionate about nursing as career,this then questions the quality of the nurses as recently exposed regarding the exams fiasco.As we all know,to be good at what you do,you have to be passionate about what you do,if not, it just becomes another boring job.
Hi chas – I agree that the goal will take longer than another 12 years. The thing is, the way things are set up right now, I think the goal is unattainable. It will take change at very basic levels to push the country forward, I have no doubt about that. And, that change will face the government and also the people of the Philippines. Of course, almost anything can happen in the next 25 to 50 years, so all of our speculation could be meaningless! 😆
Hi Bob,
Do you think lifting the restrictions on foreigners being able to work or start businesses in the Philippines would help.
At least if a few foreigners were able to start businesses and work for themselves in the Philippines without having to jump through all the legal loopholes to do so then it might encourage more outside investment and in turn create employment and keep Filipinos in the country.
I'm sure lots of foreigners are put off by not being allowed to own property or own more than 40 per cent of their business.
Just a thought.
Phil
Hi Phil – I do think it would be helpful to the economy of the Philippines to allow foreign business ownership, very helpful. That said, I think that the odds of that happening in the next 10 years is virtually ZERO. The Philippines is too ingrained in feeling that foreigners should be kept out of business 100%. Also, the Philippine people are scared for any politicians to change the constitution, because they feel that it is a way to introduce more corruption, a grab for power, etc. Because of this, the odds of any constitutional change is virtually nil. Allowing foreign ownership of assets in the Philippines would require a change to the constitution.
Bob,
Fortunately most talented doctors remain to stay in the Philippines. Doctors who are employed have very little chance for upward mobility. The heirarchy of the medical profession in the Philippines is very competetive and protective. To be able to be accepted in a private hospital as a staff doctor. First you have to be connected. Second you have to be very good and armed to the teeth with subspecialties. Filipino Dr's also die with their boots on making the wait foravailable billets very long. There are a few that left the country for the betterment of their children sacrificing their careers.
In reality. The medical profession in the Philippines is better off than here in the U.S. With the powerful HMOs U.S. Dr's are reduced to employees of highly paid corporate executives.
Hi Bobby – I really agree with much of what you say, especially the whole HMO thing in the States. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Bob, I'm actually quite optimistic about the prospects in the Philippines. Based on my interactions with software developers here and in the US, I would say that the developers who choose to stay in the Philippines are as capable, or even more capable than those who decide to work overseas. The reason is that those who choose to leave do so for money and security reasons, while those who choose to stay, do so out of passion for the business.
In particular, I like the younger batch of IT and business professionals in the country, the twenty-somethings. They appear to be more entrepreneurial and positive about the future, as compared to my batch (thirty-somethings) when we were their age. I don't know where these young people got their positive outlook from, but my hunch is that they were much more exposed to the global world at a young age, due to internet and media, and as such, are much more confident and optimistic than the previous generation.
Overseas workers in general are down on the prospects back home in the Philippines. I know because I felt that way too a few years back. As they bet their future in their new adopted countries, it is understandable that they wish they had made the right decision in moving abroad. Replacing this old, outdated way of thinking will be the task of today's younger generation.
Hi rob – based on your first line in your comment let me just say that I am also quite optimistic about the future of the Philippines. If anything I have written seems that I am not, it was misinterpreted. I do hope that the younger generation can get the Philippines moving in the right direction, and what you have said gives me even more confidence.
Thanks for dropping by!
"Naturally, it is the most talented, most educated, and most ambitious of Filipinos who end up working overseas."
I think they have put their talent, education and ambitions in the wrong places. If they are really smart, they should be able to do just fine (or even better) here with their families close by.
Thanks heaven, not one of the business tycoons in the Philippines ever have to work overseas to amass great wealth and in return pump the economy of the country.
Hi Carlos – I fully agree! I find that it is very possible to make money here. Using entrepreneurial skills is much easier to do, and with less money than in the First World.