The Overseas Filipino Workers’ Families in Bolinao, Pangasinan

Abstract

This research investigated the case of foreign Filipino families in Bolinao, Pangasinan, and its educational implications for school year 2024-2025. It particularly investigated their demographic and socio-economic characteristics, problems, and support mechanisms available. With a descriptive research design, survey questionnaires were administered to 100 families from 30 barangays that were randomly selected. Findings indicate that health problems and healthcare access are the most pressing concerns, typically leading to economic deprivation and emotional trauma. Separation from an OFW parent or spouse also leads to serious psychological issues, particularly among children. Economic security remains a concern because most families depend solely on remittances, rendering them vulnerable to economic insecurity. Other concerns are difficulties in child-rearing, strained relationships, and social isolation. Government and non-government organization support mechanisms help mitigate such challenges. Scholarships at school, cash, and medical care are provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and financial education and guidance are provided by organizations like Atikha. These are nevertheless not yet accessible to the majority of families. This research discovers that the emotional and financial concerns of OFW families play an important role in their household welfare and stability. To address these, it calls for the establishment of mental health intervention programs, economic literacy training, and family therapy to make the OFW families better able to cope with the effect of migration and their overall well-being.