Saving and Spending Habits of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Their Families in Region Xi, Philippines

Melba L. Manapol; Sheryl R. Lopez; Ma. Vanessa E. Sobrejuanite

doi:10.58671/aswj.v10i1.15

Authors

Melba L. Manapol Social Department, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines
Sheryl R. Lopez Social Department, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines
Ma. Vanessa E. Sobrejuanite Sociology DepartmentAteneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v10i1.15

Keywords:

OFWs, Left Behind Families, Spending,Savings, Migration

Abstract

This study on spending and savings pattern of Overseas Filipino Families (OFWs) and their left behind families is an attempt to understand the social and economic context of Filipino migration. Specifically, the study hopes to describe where the hard-earned money of OFWs goes and on whether or not they are able to save. Patterns of spending and saving of their left behind families were also investigated. The study employed a mixed methods research approach particularly survey of 150 respondents composed of 75 OFWs and 75 left behind families. An in-depth interview of 15 left behind families and key informants’ interview of three officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowerment (MMCEAI) were also conducted to support findings of the survey. Significant findings of the study revealed that the top three spending items of OFWs include remittance to family back home, food and communication. The left behind families, on the other hand, spend the money they receive on education, food, utilities and transportation. The OFWs and their left behind families are able to save and invest. The study also found that some significant correlations exist between and among the following variables such as age, number of years working abroad, type of work, amount saved and amount of remittance. Major recommendations of the study include Financial Literacy and Investment training be given to OFWs and their families. The same trainings should be part of PDOS and Orientation modules given to OFWs and their families.

Author Biographies

Melba L. Manapol, Social Department, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines

Dr. Melba Laguna-Manapol, RSW is an associate professor and Chairperson of the SW Department of the Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines. She has a master’s degree in Social Work and a PhD in Educational Management. She is a member of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council and manages the implementation of the Healing and Recovery Program for Drug Surrenderers (HERDS), project of the Center against Illegal Drugs (CAID) of the university. She is a PAASCU accreditor for Social Work and a member of the CHED Regional Quality Assurance Team (RQUAT) for the Davao Region. As a Social Work educator, Dr. Manapol constantly engaged in research, engagement, and consultancy. She was contributing author of the book ‘Social Work Education and Practice: Scholarship and Innovation in Asia Pacific’, a publication by APASWE. She is the ex officio president of the National Association for Social Work Education Inc. (NASWEI) having served the association from 2017-2021

Sheryl R. Lopez, Social Department, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines

Sheryl Lopez is a full time Assistant Professor of Ateneo de Davao University, a Registered Social Worker and holder of a degree Master of Science in Social Work. Before joining the Academe, herwork experience includes being a Case Manager for victim-survivors of Human Trafficking, Regional Coordinator for Visayan Forum Foundation (now Voice of the Free) in Davao Region and Community Development Work with the fisherfolk communities in Davao Oriental.At present, as a Professor or AdDU, she teaches in the Social Work Department on subjects namely, Counseling, Theories of FIlipino Personality, Case work, Group work, and Social Work Theories and Practice in the Philippines. She is also the School Instructor to the Field internship of Social Work Students.A former Director of Ateneo Migraction Center (2016-2019), her experiences includes, Teaching, Research and Community Engagement activities

Ma. Vanessa E. Sobrejuanite, Sociology DepartmentAteneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines

Ma. Vanessa E. Sobrejuanite is an Asst Professor of the Sociology Department, Ateneo de Davao University. She has a master’s degree in Applied SocialResearch and is currently working towards her dissertation for her PhD in Sociology at the Xavier University. MS. Sorejuanite is also a member of the Ateneo Migration Center task force. She has done researchers on various topics

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