The Impact of government programs on the financial well-being of Bicolano overseas Filipino workers
Abstract
This study aims to assess the effectiveness, accessibility, and implementation of government programs available to Bicolano Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and explore their financial well-being in relation to these programs. Specifically, it investigates how the presumed benefits, accessibility, and implementation of government programs such as PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, SSS Flexi-Fund, and others impact the financial health of Bicolano OFWs. The study further explores the demographic profiles of these workers to understand their financial behavior and the relationship between these factors. The results indicate that most government programs are perceived as somewhat effective, accessible, and implemented, with significant variations in how they impact different aspects of financial well-being. The study finds moderate relationships between the level of financial well-being and the effectiveness of these programs, particularly in the economic and social aspects. Notably, the programs have a stronger impact on the economic well-being of Bicolano OFWs, with moderate relationships found between the programs' effectiveness and financial outcomes. However, gaps in awareness, accessibility, and reintegration support remain, suggesting the need for improved program delivery. A total of 50 respondents, all Bicolano OFWs, participated in the study. The statistical design employed was descriptive correlational analysis, utilizing Chi-square tests to assess relationships between demographic factors and the financial well- being of the participants. The tools used for data collection included a structured questionnaire that measured respondents' perceptions of government programs and their financial well-being. The results of the study provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by Bicolano OFWs and offer recommendations for enhancing government programs to improve their financial stability and overall well-being.
Downloads
References
Ang, A. P., Sugiyarto, G., & Jha, S. (2009). Remittances and household behavior in the Philippines (ADB Economics Working Paper No. 188). Asian Development Bank. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.adb.org/publications/remittances-and-household-behavior-philippines
Balboa, E., Delfin, J. F., Malicay, E. M., & Yuro, K. C. (2023). The correlation of international remittance of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to their families’ financial capabilities and life satisfaction. International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD), Research Publish Journals. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/the-correlation-of-international-remittance-of-overseas- filipino-workers-ofws-to-their-families-financial-capabilities-and-life-satisfaction
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (n.d.). PiTaKa (Pinansyal na Talino at Kaalaman). Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.bsp.gov.ph/FinancialEducation/PiTaKa
Barzallo, D. P., Schnyder, A., Zanini, C., & Gemperli, A. (2024). Gender Differences in Family Caregiving: Do female caregivers do more or undertake different tasks? BMC Health Services Research, 24(1), 730. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11191-w
Bausch, Jonas, Paul Dyer, Drew Gardiner, Jochen Kluve, Sonja Kovacevic ; International Labour Office. – Geneva: ILO (2017). The impact of skills training on the financial behaviour, employability and educational choices of rural young people: findings from a randomized controlled trial in Morocco. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/documents/publicat ion/wcms_565085.pdf
Bautista, A. G. M., & Tamayo, V. T. (2020). Life challenges of overseas Filipino workers. Open Access Library Journal, 7(10), e6854. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1106854
Cacnio, F. C. Q., & Romarate, M. E. G. (2024). Financial behavior over the life cycle? Evidence from Filipino households (BSP Discussion Paper Series No. 2024-13). Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Sites/researchsite/Publications/BSP-Discussion- Papers/DP202413.pdf
De La Salle University. (2020). Socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Proceedings of the De La Salle University Research Congress 2020. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
Department of Labor and Employment. (n.d.). DOLE-AKAP program. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/dole-akap-for-ofws-what-you-need-to-know/
Estolas, J. L. A. (2023). Tulong PUSO: Awareness, Challenges, and Impacts. National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines Diliman. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://ncpag.upd.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/Estolas_Tulong-PUSO-program_edited-6-Dec-2023-145pm.pdf
Galvez, K. C. (2017). Allocation of remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFWs') households in Cebu, Philippines. University of San Carlos. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at http://library.usc.edu.ph/Filipiniana/pdf/Business%20Administration/Galvez.pdf
GMA News. (2023, November 15). Communication of OFW financial literacy programs not systematic enough study. GMA Network. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/896270/communication-of-ofwfinancial-literacy-programs-not-systematic-enough-study/story/
International Organization for Migration. (2021). National Action Plan on Sustainable, Gender-Responsive Return and Reintegration. Accessed on November 14,2024 at https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/document/2021/national-action-plan-sustainable-gender-responsive- return-reintegration.pdf
Kalenda, J., Vaculíková, J., & Kočvarová, I. (2022). Barriers to the participation of low-educated workers in non- formal education. Journal of Education and Work, 35(5), 455–469. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080.2022.2091118
Lasin, R., Dumiar, J., Limbuna, R., Mandar, O., Dalao, F., Torre, G. D., Mohammad, R., & Mato, J. (2023). The lived experience of former overseas Filipino workers (OFW) returning to their home. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 10(6), 692-698. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://scimatic.org/storage/journals/11/pdfs/1596.pdf
Lusardi, A. Financial literacy and the need for financial education: evidence and implications. Swiss J Economics Statistics 155, 1 (2019). Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://doi.org/10.1186/s41937-019- 0027-5
Manapol, Melba & Lopez, Sheryl & Sobrejuanite, Vanessa. (2022). Saving and Spending Habits of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Their Families in Region Xi, Philippines. Asean Social Work Journal. 59-71. 10.58671/aswj.v10i1.15. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Saving_and_Spending_Habits_of_Overseas_Filipino_Wo.pdf
Melchor, M. M. (2022). Surveying the extent and wage consequences of education-job mismatches in the Philippine labor market. Philippine Journal of Development, 46(1), 1-24. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspjd46-2022-1d.pdf
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. (n.d.). OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW- EDLP). Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://owwa.gov.ph/?page_id=3728
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. (n.d.). Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://owwa.gov.ph/
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. (n.d.). Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.poea.gov.ph
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). 2020 Census of Population and Housing. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://psa.gov.ph/content/2020-census-population-and-housing
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). Educational attainment in Bicol region: 2020 Census of Population and Housing. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://rssocar.psa.gov.ph/education
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2021). Poverty incidence among families in the Philippines. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/poverty
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2023). Survey on Overseas Filipino Workers. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://psa.gov.ph/
POLO-OWWA. (n.d.). Common reasons why Filipinos work overseas and become OFWs. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://polo-owwa.com/common-reasons-filipinos-work-overseas- ofws/?form=MG0AV3
Wong, M. H. (2024). From security to freedom—The meaning of financial well-being changes with age. Journal of Family and Economic Issues. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-023- 09886-z
Roldan, M. D. G. (2020). Reintegrating returning overseas Filipino workers through entrepreneurship. Proceedings of the Research Congress, De La Salle University. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-congress-proceedings/2020/SEP- 02.pdf
Sorita, Irene & Zapanta, Tina & Celis, Keziah & Orfanel, Christine & Manes, Luisito. (2023). Pag-IBIG Awareness and Financial Habits of Overseas Filipino Workers. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research. 4. 4320-4336. 10.11594/ijmaber.04.12.14. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377088265_PagIBIG_Awareness_and_Financial_Habits_of_Ove rseas_Filipino_Workers
Shigeyuki, Y., & Peter, M. (2024). A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainable Development: The Role of International Cooperation (JICA-RI Discussion Paper Series No. 26). Japan International Cooperation Agency Research Institute. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/jica_ri/publication/discussion/ icsFiles/afieldfile/2024/10/16/Discussion_P aper_No26_1.pdf
Tabuga, A. D., Vargas, A. R. P., & Mondez, M. B. D. (2021). Analyzing Filipino Migrant Workers’ Access to Social Protection. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/document/pidsdps2138.pdf
Tulipat, J. D. (2023). Saving and spending habits of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in Region XI, Philippines. ResearchGate. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367258825_Saving_and_Spending_Habits_of_Overseas_Filipino_Workers_OFWs_and_Their_Families_in_Region_Xi_Philippines
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). (2021). Ageing in the Digital Era: UNECE Policy Brief on Ageing No. 26. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021- 07/PB26-ECE-WG.1-38_0.pdf
World Business Online. (2024, January 30). Financial literacy courses urged for OFWs. BusinessWorld. Accessed on November 14, 2024 at
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2024/01/30/572283/financial-literacycourses-urged-for-ofws/
The authors and co-authors warrant that the article is their original work, does not infringe any copyright, and has not been published elsewhere. By submitting the article to GPH-International Journal of Business Management, the authors agree that the journal has the right to retract or remove the article in case of proven ethical misconduct.