STATISTICS
Financial Impact and Dependency on Remittances
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), remittances from OFWs totaled around
$35.2 billion in 2023, representing about 9.2% of the country's GDP.
A 2019 report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) noted that while remittances
significantly contribute to family income, up to 70% of OFW households rely on these funds for
their basic needs. This can make families financially vulnerable if the OFW loses their job
abroad.
However, programs like the OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program have seen over
20,000 OFWs and their families participate in small business training and financial literacy
initiatives, helping reduce reliance on remittances.
3. Government Protection Laws for OFWs
Republic Act 10022 (Philippine Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995) ensures
that OFWs are protected by a legal framework, mandating strict regulations for recruitment
agencies and providing assistance for repatriation and legal cases.
According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), over 2,000 OFWs have
received legal assistance through the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) since 2022,
which includes legal aid in cases of abuse or exploitation abroad.
4. Impact of OFWs on Local Communities
A 2020 study from the University of the Philippines School of Economics found that 80% of
OFW families use remittances to pay for education and healthcare, while 50% use remittances
to invest in small businesses or real estate.
However, research by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlighted that areas with high
OFW populations may face limited local economic growth as remittances are spent on imports or
saved rather than reinvested into the local economy.
5. Child Development and School Performance
A 2017 survey by DepEd (Department of Education) indicated that children of OFWs may
experience higher rates of absenteeism and behavioral issues in school. Specifically, 13% of
children whose parents worked abroad were reported to have lower academic performance
compared to those whose parents were present.
On the positive side, 71% of children of OFWs in the same survey reported benefiting from
better access to education, with many being able to attend private schools or receive tutoring due
to the financial support from their parents working abroad.
6. Support Services for OFWs and Families
The OWWA reports that in 2021, they handled over 40,000 cases related to OFW family
support, including counseling, reintegration, and livelihood assistance programs.
The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) provides training and livelihood
programs to about 20,000 OFW families annually to help them establish businesses and reduce
financial dependency on remittances.
