Photo by Maya Butalid
There are millions of Overseas Filipinos in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and more, scattered all across the world. They make up the whole of the Filipino diaspora. Their stories–of people having to live and work far from home–are ones of courage, sacrifice, and a strong love for family.
One among them is Maya Butalid, a Filipina author, former political activist, and former city councilor in the Netherlands.
Born in Cebu in 1957, she became a student activist at the University of the Philippines, opposing the Marcos dictatorship. In 1983, she and her husband were sent to the Netherlands as part of their activism.
Millions of Filipinos like her have also left home in the hopes of finding better jobs and a better life.
This huge movement has changed the Philippines and made it a significant source of workers for the whole world.
Leaving Home for a Better Life
The history of Filipinos going to other countries for work began a long time ago. But the big wave of overseas Filipino workers (or OFWs) started in the 1970s. The government encouraged people to work abroad to help with job shortages and to boost the country’s economy. This idea, which was supposed to be a short-term fix, became a big part of Filipino life.
The term OFW is now a title of honor.
It shows that this person is a provider and a source of hope for their family’s future. You can find OFWs everywhere—as nurses in Europe, sailors on ships, engineers in the Middle East, or helpers in Asia. Each person, within their heart, has a story of working hard, learning new cultures, and being away from their loved ones for a long time. It’s often heartbreaking, and it’s often joyous–but that’s part of the glittering mosaic of the Filipino diaspora.
Photo by tirachard
Sending Out Remittances
The most significant way the Filipino diaspora has helped the Philippines is through remittances. These are the funds that OFWs send home to their families. For many years, this money has been a lifeline for the country’s economy. It’s one of the biggest sources of foreign money that comes into the Philippines.
For the families who get this money, it’s used for important things like paying for school, doctor’s visits, and daily needs. It also helps them build or fix up their homes. This steady flow of money helps many families get out of poverty and start small businesses.
Sending money is not just a financial act or an exchange of time and labor for money. It’s a powerful way to show love and commitment to their nation and to their family.
The Return of the “Balikbayan”
The word balikbayan is a special term. It comes from the combination of two Filipino words: balik, which means return, and bayan, which means nation. Thus, in a way, it means “a return to the nation.”
A balikbayan is a Filipino who has come back to the Philippines after living abroad, usually for a visit. The return of a balikbayan is a happy and exciting event for family and friends.
A big part of this homecoming is the balikbayan box. These boxes are full of things from abroad, like snacks, toys, clothes, and other items. They are material proof of a loved one’s hard work and care.
The tradition of the balikbayan box is a way to bridge the long distances that typically come between the OFW and their family.
It is a concrete affirmation that no matter how far an OFW goes, they will always remember their home.
The Challenges of Being Apart
Working far from home comes with many challenges. The biggest one is being away from family. Children grow up with a parent who is only a voice on the phone or a face on a video call. This can be hard on the children and can put stress on marriages. In many cases, grandparents have to step in and become the primary caregivers.
However, OFWs and their families have found ways to stay connected. Technology like video calls and messaging apps helps them talk every day. These calls help parents see their children’s important moments and feel like they’re still a part of daily family life, even from miles away.
Between Two Nations
As the Filipino diaspora has grown, many OFWs have made new lives and become citizens of other countries. This was a difficult choice for many since it meant having to relinquish some part of their ties to their home country.
But in 2003, the Philippine government passed a law that made dual citizenship possible. This law lets Filipinos who have become citizens of another country keep their Filipino citizenship. This law was essential because it showed that the government understood that many people had strong connections to both their old and new homes.
Having dual citizenship allows OFWs to vote in Philippine elections and own land in their home country.
This government measure helps them stay connected to their heritage and their home country, so they will never feel like a stranger when they’re back home.
Photo by jcomp
Finding Hope in the Filipino Diaspora
The Filipino diaspora is full of hope. These are people who were brave enough to leave everything behind for a better future. There are stories of families who stayed strong despite the distance. The challenges of being an OFW—like loneliness and being far from home—are huge, but millions of Filipinos keep going with a strong spirit.
They are driven by the hope to give their children a good education, build a lovely home, and give their parents a comfortable life. This hope is what keeps them going. The legacy of the Filipino diaspora is not just the money they send home. It’s in the many stories of sacrifice and the strong spirit of a people who, even when they live all over the world, are still deeply connected by their love for family and their hope for a bright future.
If you want to read a Filipina’s journey, you should check out Maya Butalid’s book, Chasing Windmills. It offers a first-hand look at what it’s like to live as a migrant and how a person balances their Filipino identity with a new life abroad.
