The first guest lecture of 2026 was delivered by Professor Elaine Borazon from the International Graduate Program of Education and Human Development at National Sun Yat-sen University. Professor Borazon earned her PhD in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines–Diliman. Her research interests include entrepreneurship, supply chain management, sustainable development, and food environments. In the guest lecture held this Tuesday (Jan 6), Professor Borazon discussed how Philippine government policies influence overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), driven by a combination of economic and social factors.

Professor Borazon began the lecture by providing historical background, explaining that Filipino migration dates back to the early 1900s. She noted that the first major wave of migration occurred in the 1960s, when professional and skilled workers moved to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Migration later became a driver for the establishment of institutions supporting labor export, including the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for facilitation and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the protection of workers. According to the latest data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority, over 2.34 million Filipinos were working overseas as of 2023.

Professor Borazon then explained how OFWs contribute to the country’s economic development through remittances, which help stabilize the Philippine peso. In 2024, the total value of cash remittances sent by OFWs reached USD 34.49 billion. These remittances support OFW families, particularly those from low-income households, while also helping stabilize household consumption against external shocks, thereby supporting economic growth. However, high levels of remittances may also result in Dutch disease—an economic phenomenon in which large foreign currency inflows (e.g., remittances) lead to currency appreciation and sectoral shifts that reduce export competitiveness. Moreover, migration in the Philippines continues due to educational mismatch, characterized by a high supply of university graduates and limited jobs requiring specific qualifications, which further drives forced migration.

The forced migration and export of labor have led to a depletion of domestic talent, particularly in science, healthcare, and education, as skilled professionals seek higher wages abroad, which is commonly known as brain drain. In response, the Philippine government has introduced initiatives such as the Balik Scientist Program, which encourages Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers abroad to return and share their expertise in exchange for incentives. Another initiative, the PiTaKa program, focuses on financial literacy training to help OFWs achieve financial stability during their migration period. The government’s ultimate goal, as emphasized in the lecture, is to make migration a choice rather than a necessity.

Professor Borazon provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the role of overseas labor migration in the Philippines, highlighting the economic benefits and long-term social challenges. The guest lecture offered valuable insights into migration, labor policy, and economic development, enriching students’ perspectives on the global workforce.

(Written by Shania Yap)